True Blue – February-March 2023

The traditional Christmas holiday season is now behind us, and I am delighted to report Rex carried a record number of passengers in December/January. The public embraced restriction-free travel this festive period, with pent-up demand ensuring there was hardly an empty seat on both our domestic and regional networks as Aussies spent the holidays with loved ones.

For many, it was their first flight on Rex’s Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, which connects our domestic network. We are excited to celebrate two years of domestic operations, and the considerable feedback we’ve received indicates passengers not only enjoy the experience but that we have now become the preferred airline for many Australians. The popularity of our widely acclaimed Business Class also continues to grow as evidenced by the thousands of passengers who have lodged bids to upgrade their travel experience under our industry-leading Bid Up program.

In an Australian first, Rex introduced real-time bidding for an upgrade to Business Class on our domestic jet services. There will be more ground-breaking initiatives rolled out in the coming months

which will further enhance our customer experience.

Without giving too much away, we’ll be deploying new technology which will open a raft of new communication channels for our passengers which will also lead to reduced call waiting time – one of the most annoying and complained about issues the aviation industry has been grappling with over recent years.

These developments are all part and parcel of our ongoing commitment to you, our passengers, as we provide safe, affordable and reliable air services between the capital cities and connect them to remote and regional centres across the country. It’s why we’re proud to be the Australian airline with the best on time performance and the carrier with the lowest cancellation rate by a country mile. Our dedicated staff are standing by to welcome you on board again soon – after all, Easter is just around the corner and Good Friday is traditionally the busiest day of the year for airlines and airports!

Neville Howell Chief Operating Officer

EDITORIAL

Publisher & Editor: Michelle Hespe publisher@trulyaus.com

Assistant Editor: Emily Riches editorial@trulyaus.com

Designer: Ryan Vizcarra

Sub-editor: Claire Hey

ADVERTISING publisher@trulyaus.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Claire Delahunty

Ian Lloyd Neubauer

Lauren Lefever

Matilda Meikle

Melody Morgan Sorensen

Nigel Bowen

Winsor Dobbin

PRINTING

IVE Print Sydney 81 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2128

True Blue is published by Publishing ByChelle, (ABN: 78 621 375 853 ACN: 621 375 853) Level 1, 3 Westleigh Street, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 publishingbychelle.com

The reproduction of any content, in whole or part without prior written permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the content are those of the contributors, and not necessarily those of the publisher. All information in this magazine was believed to be correct at the time of publication, and all reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. Publishing ByChelle cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If such items are sent to the magazine, they will not be returned. We apologise if we don’t get back to your email, as we do receive a large volume of communication via various online channels. Some images used in True Blue are from iStock and Getty Images, and we make every effort to credit all contributors.

Our wild wonders

It’s always exciting pulling together a collection of travel tales to inspire our readers, and in this issue we’ve focused on outdoor adventures in some extraordinarily beautiful parts of our country, while showcasing the many ways that you can include local produce and beverages in your journey.

Down south on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia we checked out some amazing Australian businesses that champion the local produce and natural beauty of their spectacular region. From wine and beer to bush tucker, sailing and swimming with dolphins, you can enjoy the great outdoors while also satiating your hunger and thirst.

Up north we dive into the many adventures to be enjoyed around Cairns, from exploring rainforests and waterfalls, to fishing and then having your catch cooked up by a chef in one of the awesome local restaurants. Now that’s a great way to combine adventure with food!

On the Mid North Coast we hopped along the Macleay Valley Coast and explored pristine beaches and waterways in a region where you can avoid the crowds and chill out in some of the country’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

If you would like to read the digital version of True Blue, please be our guest!

Simply head to trulyaus.com – which is dedicated to exploring and celebrating Australian destinations and experiences, and showcasing Australian made products. To read more AusBiz stories, visit us at ausbizmedia.com TRULYAUS.COM

Down in beautiful Tassie, we reveal some of the state’s most unique culinary experiences, and in Outback Queensland, the adventure levels are ramped up with camel racing, dinosaur tours and an Indigenous rodeo championship.

If you have little ones in tow, fear not, as we’re making sure you know about some of the best hotels and places to stay that are all about family fun.

In business, we’ve delved into the unearthing of a 100-million-year-old dinosaur fossil, how the lyre bird is facing the possibility of losing its voice, and why organic wine is not being snapped up in Australia. We also looked into how the sunflower industry is faring, some charities working hard to combat homelessness and a juice company that puts Indigenous artists in the spotlight.

Enjoy the read and drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from you.

MICHELLE HESPE AND THE TEAM AT TRUE BLUE

DOWN BY THE RIVER Chilling out by The Darling River in Wilcannia.

Cover photo: Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elise Cook.

Stay connected on the fly with Wi-Fi

Time to sit back and relax with entertainment and internet at your fingertips on selected domestic flights operated by our Boeing 737-800NG.

Enjoy a great selection of free blockbuster movies and addictive TV shows or stay connected by purchasing Wi-Fi Passes and surf the net in the sky – complimentary for Business class passengers.

Step by step: How to connect onboard

Choose network. Turn on device’s Wi-Fi and connect to the Rex Wi-Fi network “REX”.

Welcome. Browser should open automatically. If needed, open your internet browser and navigate to wifionboard.com to connect.

Once connected, passengers can access complimentary in-flight entertainment.

Wi-Fi Passes available for purchase

Regular speed for browsing

Suitable for simple web browsing, email, instant messaging and social media (excludes video and app stores).

30 minutes from $6.50* Entire flight from $9.99*

High-speed for streaming

Suitable for a faster connection speed supporting video streaming services such as YouTube (excludes app stores).

30 minutes from $9.75* Entire flight from $14.99*

Purchase a Wi-Fi Pass to start streaming (free for Business Class).

Have a question?

For any questions or troubleshooting, live chat is available 24/7 to assist you.

*Prices are subject to change at any time. Please access the Rex in-flight web portal for more information. Terms and conditions apply.

Inside TrueBlue

upfront

12 REX News

Rex celebrates two years of domestic operations; Elvis lovers fly to Parkes; and Hamish & Andy throw an Emergency Slide Party.

Features

22 Crime writers go bush

Three great Aussie crime writers discuss the meteoric rise of “bush noir.”

32 Indulge on the Eyre Peninsula

Follow this tasting trail around the Eyre Peninsula for the foodie experience of a lifetime, discovering some of its best-kept secrets.

40 Adventures in Cairns

Cairns is a lush, green wonderland this time of year. Chase waterfalls and heart-pumping adventures.

AusBiz.

Check out AusBiz at the back of our magazine.

SCIENCE

Rock Chicks make new dinosaur discovery in Outback Queensland.

ENVIRONMENT

The Albert’s Lyrebird may be losing its song due to habitat destruction.

AGRICULTURE

Sunflower farmers are embracing snap-happy tourism opportunities.

44 Gourmet Tassie

Discover some of Tassie’s boutique distilleries, cellar doors, street eats and more.

50 Laidback Macleay Valley

Here’s how to beach hop your way along the stunning Macleay Valley Coast.

54 Fantastic familyfriendly hotels

From waterslides and wave pools to sleeping with lions, Australia is home to some of the most unique hotels and resorts with fun for the whole family.

60

Check out the best new Aussie-made products for autumn.

CHARITY

We round up three awesome charities tackling homelessness.

BUSINESS

Grove Juice launches new packaging that highlights Indigenous artists.

GREAT IN GREEN: The stunning Millaa Millaa Falls is a must-visit in Cairns. Image: Tourism and Events Qld.

AUTUMN INSPO:

CHECK-IN

Online check-in

You can check-in online through the Rex website, rex.com.au, on your desktop or mobile devices between 48 hours and 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight.

Airport check-in

If you have checked baggage, we recommend that you arrive at the airport for check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight at all airports except Burketown, Queensland (90 minutes before).

Rex check-in closes:

• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Burketown airport.

• 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Queensland airports (with the exception of Burketown above).

• 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time at regional airports in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA.

Special requirements:

Passengers with special requirements must check-in at the airport (online check-in is not available) no later than:

• 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flights and flights departing from Burketown.

• 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure for regional flights departing from major cities and all Queensland regional airports except Burketown (please see below).

• 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure in NSW, SA, Tas, Vic and WA regional airports.

REX AIRCRAFT FACTS

BAGGAGE

Carry on baggage

* no one piece may weigh more than 10kg

Checked baggage

Passengers with international connections (within 24 hours) are permitted a 23 kilogram baggage allowance upon presenting a valid itinerary or ticket.

Please refer to rex.com.au for more baggage allowance information.

Excess baggage

Additional checked baggage allowance may be purchased during booking.

For baggage presented at check-in which is over the baggage allowance, excess baggage is subject to capacity and a surcharge of $5.50 (incl GST) per kilogram is applicable.

Carnarvon

Monkey Mia

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Rex: Our heart is in the country

Bamaga NPA

Mornington Island (Gununa)

Normanton Burketown Doomadgee

Mount Isa

Boulia

Julia Creek Richmond

Winton

Bedourie

Birdsville

Coober Pedy

Ceduna

Perth

Esperance

Albany

Domestic Routes

Regional Routes

Operated in partnership with

Port Lincoln

Cairns

Townsville

Hughenden

Longreach

Windorah

Quilpie

Charleville Roma

Cunnamulla

Thargomindah

Broken Hill

Whyalla

Adelaide

Parkes

Toowoomba Wellcamp

St George

Coffs Harbour

Armidale

Dubbo

Orange

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Port Macquarie

Griffith

Narrandera-Leeton

Mildura Wagga Wagga Albury

Mount Gambier

Melbourne

King Island

Canberra

Sydney Moruya

Merimbula

Burnie Devonport

Our heart is in the country

INFLIGHT INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As you sit back in comfort en route to your destination, the Rex crew hope you enjoy this entertaining and informative light reading.

Q. Why do the flight attendants insist that all window blinds be up for take-off?

A. The most critical phases of a flight are the take-off and landing. In the most unlikely event of a situation that requires an emergency evacuation, it is important that crew and passengers are able to have a clear view of the outside conditions in case of obstructions. For example, before exits are opened, staff must check for fire or other obstacles that may present potential hazards during the evacuation.

Q. Why do I have to stow my hand luggage in the overhead lockers, under the seats or in the seat pockets for take-off and landing?

A. Flight crews are required by Civil Aviation Regulations to secure the cabin as well as possible for take-off and landing. As mentioned, these are the most critical phases of the flight, and securing as much hand luggage as possible ensures that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, the exits and aisles stay as clear as possible, in case evacuation is necessary. It is also important to keep hand luggage secure whenever possible to ensure heavier items do not become airborne within the cabin. This is especially important when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.

Q. Why do I feel so tired from flying?

A. As the aircraft altitude increases, air pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, the body absorbs less oxygen than it would at sea level – so, it must work harder to supply oxygen to the body’s cells. As the body is working harder, it becomes more tired.

Q. Why do I sometimes feel pain in my ears or sinuses during ascent or descent?

A. The sinuses and middle ear are air-containing cavities that connect with the nose via narrow channels. As aircrafts ascend and cabin pressure drops, air passes out of these cavities (without any effort from the passenger) to balance the cabin pressure. It is a different matter during descent, as the cabin pressure increases. The channels close down and must be actively opened by holding the nose and blowing to inflate the cavities. Facial and ear pain can occur during descent if re-inflation does not occur, and this is much

more likely if the passenger has nasal congestion. If you must fly with hayfever, use a decongestant nasal spray before descent and buy some ‘ear planes’ to plug your ears.

(Information contributed by Dr Daniel Hains, ENT surgeon.)

Q. When can electronic equipment such as laptops, iPods and mobile phones be used?

A. All Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) must be placed in flight mode if access to the tarmac (including by bus) is required during boarding or disembarkation, and when instructed to do so by the cabin crew. Small handheld PEDs weighing less than 1kg, such as mobile phones, can be used in flight mode during all stages of flight. PEDs over 1kg, such as laptop computers, must be stowed appropriately for taxi, take-off and landing, and are permitted to be used only during cruise when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off. PEDs cannot be used while crossing the tarmac.

Q. What is the average speed of the aircraft when cruising in flight?

A. Our Saab 340 has an average cruising speed of approximately 500 kilometres per hour. The Boeing 737-800 NG has an average speed of 830 kilometres per hour.

Q. Why do I have to get permission from the Captain to move to a vacant seat?

A. The aircraft’s take-off speed is calculated by the weight and balance of the aircraft, and many factors need to be considered for a successful take-off. Factors include the weight of passengers and where they are seated, the weight of cargo, freight and fuel, the distance available on the runway, etc. For example, if there are 100 or more kilograms of freight in the cargo, the balance of the aircraft will be better maintained if passengers are seated in the forward rows.

AIR TURBULENCE

Q. Aircraft often experience air turbulence, but what causes it?

A. Imagine the air around the aircraft is water in a stream. We can see how water is disturbed around rocks

or when two streams converge. Turbulence in the air is similar: as the aircraft passes through cold air or in the vicinity of terrain that has disturbed the airflow – often incorrectly referred to as ‘air pockets’ – the aircraft climbs and descends in the same way that a boat moves on water. Though turbulence can be uncomfortable, it poses no threat to the aircraft and is akin to driving on a rough or unsealed road. More severe turbulence can be associated with developing thunderstorms. Aircraft have a sophisticated weather radar that pilots use to avoid these areas. Occasionally, a flight attendant will discontinue serving passengers in turbulent conditions; this is a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety.

Q. Why should I keep my seatbelt fastened even when the ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is switched off?

A. On occasion, the flight crew cannot foresee turbulence or it is not picked up on the flight-deck radar. Because of this, we could unexpectedly experience turbulence at any time. The company recommends that you always keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated – for your safety, just in case unexpected turbulence is encountered.

ENGINE NOISES

Q. Why do the aircraft’s engine noises change during the flight?

A. Aircraft need more power to climb than to descend, in the same way that a car needs more power to go up a hill than down one. Rex aircraft have more than enough power to climb, so shortly after take-off you will notice a change in noises as the power is reduced. The pilots also control the pitch angle of the propellers for various stages of the flight, and as they ‘change gears’ this can also be heard in the cabin.

Q. What should I do if I see or hear something that does not look or sound right?

A. Please advise your flight attendant. The flight attendant may be able to answer your query and allay any fears. If not, the flight attendant will contact the flight deck and advise the pilots of anything unusual. Rex encourages open communication and will always treat a passengers’ concerns with the utmost seriousness.

Captured while on board a Rex flight: Sydney lit up on New Years Eve.

Rex: A cause for celebration

WE’VE CELEBRATED our 20th birthday, been lauded by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and named Airline of the Year for 2022 by Australian Aviation.

This trifecta of achievements was the culmination of the exhaustive efforts to extend the reach of Australia’s largest regional airline to capital cities and major holiday destinations.

In 2020, much of the global aviation industry was on its knees and fighting for its very survival, ravaged by the impact of Covid-19. But, as they say, fortune favours the brave, and Rex seized the moment to morph from a regional carrier into a major domestic airline. Just nine months after unveiling an audacious expansion plan, Rex flights between Sydney and Melbourne commenced in March 2021. What was essentially a new

airline had been launched in record time, an extraordinary achievement virtually unequalled in the history of modern aviation.

Of course, Rex is no stranger to finding opportunity in adversity. When Ansett collapsed and its subsidiaries Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines were placed into administration, Rex rose from the ashes of the wreckage to ensure that regional Australia remained connected.

As a regional airline, Rex provides remote communities vital access to medical, educational, business and government needs. We pride ourselves on offering safe, affordable and reliable air services. Recent Federal Government figures have consistently shown Rex has the best on-time performance and lowest flight cancellation rate of any airline in Australia.

With a fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, Rex now flies between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and Canberra. Having captured the imagination of the travelling public and with a growing brand awareness we have big plans to expand even further in 2023. Yet, the cornerstone of Rex has always been about people – our dedicated staff and our valued passengers. Rex was founded on the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, resilience and camaraderie, which has always been exemplified by warm, friendly and passionate employees. The personification of old fashion, country-style hospitality.

Working hard together has contributed to the airline’s ongoing survival – and we will continue to transport Australians long into the future. Onwards and upwards!

Left to right: Rex Deputy Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM, and Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Hai, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with a special model aircraft to celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary. Pictured with Flight Attendants Bridie, Lucinda and Alannah.

While March marks two years since Rex launched our game-changing domestic routes flying Boeing 737 jets, it’s arguably the last 12 months that have been the most memorable.

Introducing Rex Bid Up

You can now bid your way to Business Class with Rex Bid Up. Elevate your travel experience with priority boarding, wide reclining leather seats and delicious meals. Bids start from $10, visit rex.com.au/rexbidup

Soar to new heights with a career

in aviation

We’re currently expanding our wings, and seeking enthusiastic team members to join us for the next exciting chapter. Whether on the ground or in the air –the sky’s the limit!

Burning love for Elvis as fans fly into Parkes

Elvis was definitely in the building!

In January, Rex hosted its one-of-a-kind Hound Dog Express flight bound for the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The festival is a must-do on our calendar, celebrating all things “the King”.

There was a little less conversation and a little more dancing as passengers rocked out to a special performance by superstar Elvis tribute artist, Stuey V, as well as a surprise appearance from international sensation Diogo “Di” Light, before boarding their special flight to Parkes.

Now in its 30th year, an estimated 25,000 fans attended the Parkes Elvis Festival for an unforgettable few days of rock’n’roll.

Thank you very much to Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire Council for joining us.

First Officer Simon, Flight Attendant Albert and Captain Liam are all shook up alongside Parkes Shire Council Mayor Ken Keith OAM, and renowned Elvis Tribute Artists Stuey V and Diogo “Di” Light.

Hound Dog Express passengers are serenaded by Stuey V in the Rex Lounge in Sydney before flying to Parkes.

Photo credits: Tourism Western

MONKEY MIA

Hamish & Andy’s Plane Party Podcast with Rex and Melbourne Airport

“Our Emergency Slide Party is a lesson in ‘you don’t know if you don’t ask!’ We asked, and Rex said yes! It is amazing the lengths we will go to for a three second slide,” Captain Hamish said.

To everyone’s knowledge, hosting an Emergency Slide Party has never been attempted before and it was certainly a first for Hamish & Andy, Rex and Melbourne Airport.

Neville Howell, Rex Chief Operating Officer, commented, “We were delighted that Hamish & Andy placed their trust in Rex and our dedicated staff to ensure this remarkable event was delivered seamlessly, safely and so successfully.

Australia’s beloved comedic duo and favourite comedy podcast, Hamish & Andy, hosted a party on a plane –with a difference.

Together with Melbourne Airport and Rex, the pair recorded their final 2022 episode from the cabin of one of Rex’s Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with some of their loyal listeners on board.

The idea for the party was conceived in 2020 when, due to Covid-19, planes

were grounded all over the world. So, Hamish & Andy thought it would be the perfect time to host a party on a plane – with an unbelievable ending.

Following a Rex inflight service, tray tables were stowed and seats were placed into the upright position as passengers onboard flight HA254 were treated to the exclusive opportunity of disembarking the aircraft via the slide!

Meet the ambience alchemists

When scientists and doctors turn their minds to scent, magic happens. H usband-and-wife duo Jeeva and Suji both initially worked in medicine before combining their talents to launch Melbourne-based fragrance house Light & Glo in 2015. With Suji as the creative force and Jeeva as the marketing mastermind, their boutique candle business flourished. Light & Glo is now a multi-award-winning business with a focus on creating crisp, fresh fragrances with a social conscience. Handcrafted locally in Melbourne, their wood wick candles are made from soy wax and blended with high-quality natural fragrances, ensuring that they not only look great, but burn longer and are kind to the world.

“Our thanks to LiSTNR and Melbourne Airport and its duty free partner The Laneway, Dufry Duty Free and Melbourne Jet Base for helping Rex make dreams come true.”

Tune into the Hamish & Andy Plane Party podcast recorded onboard the Rex Boeing 737 (episode 200) on the LiSTNR app or wherever you get your podcasts for a plane old good time.

This is a fragrance house that takes extra care in every step of their candle making which allows for a longer, cleaner burn, ensuring that when you light a candle, even a large room can be filled with the soothing scents. The wooden wicks even crackle just like an open fire: simply light and enjoy and ambience. Combining an effortlessly cool Melbourne aesthetic with ethical practices, these candles will make you feel as good as your room will smell. To check out the range, visit lightandglodesigns.com.au.

Watch, read & listen

books

Compiled by: Matilda meikle

I Have Some Questions for You

by Rebecca Makkai

Febuary, Viking, Thriller

When Bodie Kane, a successful film professor, is invited back to her New Hampshire boarding school, she’s nervous. The murder of her classmate has haunted her every day since she left the miserable school halls. But when she returns, Bodie can’t help wondering if the police caught the right person. A twisted thriller from the mind of a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield

Febuary, Hay House, Non-fiction

If you’re sick of your 9-5, or thinking of chasing a dream, then it’s time to give two weeks notice. Amy Porterfield, host of the podcast Online Marketing Made Easy, takes readers on a journey from possibility to reality, offering a step-by-step guide on how to create a business through personal experience and inspiring stories. The perfect book for aspiring business owners.

Evil Eye by Etaf

Rum

March, Harper Books, Fiction

Evil Eye is an exploration of the expectations placed on Palestinian American women through the eyes of Yara, a girl trying to escape her conservative upbringing by marrying a charming entrepreneur. But when Yara finds her perfect world starting to crumble, she must deal with the truths of a childhood she sought to leave behind, and the threats to her future.

THEATRE PODCAST TV

Blessed Union

11 Febuary - 12 March

Belvoir St Theatre

This lesbian divorce comedy is bound to have you in stitches. Ruth and Judith are a couple whose marriage couldn’t have been more perfect. So, what’s to stop their divorce from being the same, right? Blessed Union is an examination of life, love and how to handle change. belvoir.com.au

Colin from Accounts

Accessible on Binge

1 December

Gordon and Ashley are two complex humans brought together by a car accident and a high-needs dog. What ensues is a hilarious and heartwarming story of two people trying to choose each other despite several (often hilarious) challenges. This romantic comedy is a must-watch. binge.com.au

Death of an Artist

Narrated by Helen Molesworth, Season 1 out now

For 35 years, the marriage of Carl Andre and Ana Mendieta has been shrouded with accusations of murder. Was the famous sculptor Carl somehow involved in his wife’s death? And what happened in the aftermath of the trial? Helen Molesworth investigates in this thrilling podcast. pushkin.fm

Crime writers

HEED CALL OF THE WILD

Australia’s

own

FOR SHELLEY Burr, the decision to locate her first novel in the solitude of Australia’s vast outback was easy. The book evokes an atmosphere of creepy isolation: a remote homestead with young twin sisters asleep in the same room. One vanishes without a trace while the other slumbers on.

“It was always important that the house be isolated, like a ship on the ocean. That remoteness is so compelling. It’s that feeling that only comes from being somewhere rural,” Shelley says.

Her debut novel, Wake (June 2022), set in the fictional town of Nannine in outback NSW, won the UK Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger in 2019, and quickly became the subject of a hot international bidding war. The book has enjoyed rave reviews in British and US markets, and Australian publisher Hachette has wasted no time commissioning Shelley’s second book.

“The small town where ‘everyone has a secret’ is one of those ideas which

Words: Claire Delahunty

some people hate. I’m writing for the people who love it,” Shelley says.

“It creates this tangle which you can’t unravel without getting it all out of the way. A catharsis happens when everything is out in the open.”

Outback noir, Australian gothic –call it what you will – Shelley reckons the boom pioneered by authors such as Jane Harper, Chris Hammer, Garry Disher, Emma Viskic and a burgeoning new guard shows no sign of slowing. “It’s just starting to pick up steam in bigger markets. The UK loves it, and the US is starting to notice.”

It isn’t an entirely new phenomenon, but is there a downside to the popularity of such a dark rural export?

“I did feel a certain amount of responsibility about how I was representing rural Australia,” Shelley says. “But all Australian towns have complexity. Not just the small ones.”

For veteran crime fiction writer, Chris Hammer, setting was the seed behind his breakout success,

best writers are falling for the allure of country towns, mining these unique settings as the homes for some of our most gripping crime thrillers. As ‘rural noir’ holds its

on best-seller lists, we sit down with masters of Aussie noir, Chris Hammer, Shelley Burr and Dinuka McKenzie to unpick why country Australia is such a scene-stealer.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Shelley Burr. Image: Yen Erikson Media; Dinuka McKenzie. Image: Emma Stergio – Simply Loved Photography; Chris Hammer.

Scrublands (2018), which stoked the fire lit by Jane Harper’s The Dry (2016), and Mark Brandi’s Wimmera (2017).

Chris travelled extensively throughout Murray Darling Basin communities at the height of the millennium drought, researching his nonfiction book The River (2010). His travels through the communities existing on the drying veins of the river system made their mark.

“A lot of crime fiction touches on community concerns and makes societal observations in a way that literary fiction often doesn’t… My setting appealed to me on an intuitive basis,” Chris says of his imagined community Riversend.

He gives readers a map to follow at the start of the book, pointing them to a NSW Riverina town not so far from Hay or Deniliquin. Unlike these real places however, the unthinkable has happened: a shooting spree by the local priest has left a community twisted in knots by suspicion and unease.

“It’s an impressionistic view of those places,” Chris concedes. “People who live in Sydney and Melbourne often

have inaccurate stereotypes of country towns: that they’re conservative; that they’re mono-cultural. But often they’re anything but.

“For a crime writer, that upside and downside in country towns is a valuable tool. Everyone knows your business, and this can be reassuring, but it can also be claustrophobic.”

For author and environmental planner Dinuka McKenzie, these upsides and downsides captivated her while living and working in central NSW for her first job out of university.

“As a general comment on regional towns, that idea of people knowing each other so well can also be the greatest challenge… In this genre, you can look at what’s boiling underneath the surface, and unlike in our cities, you can’t hide among the masses.”

Her Banjo Prize-winning manuscript was snapped up by Harper Collins, and The Torrent hit shelves last year as a lauded addition to the growing genre.

Set in the fictional town of Esserton – somewhere in the Tweed Shire – the climate is its own moody character in The Torrent.

Inspired by the 2011 floods across Queensland and New South Wales (echoed by last year’s disastrous events), her imagined Northern Rivers community is sizable and fragmented.

“There’s this influx of new ideas and people, and a tension growing between the old way of doing things and what the identity of a place used to be,” Dinuka says.

“We reach for this amazing Australian landscape to build tension. Our colonial history is such a story of trying to tame an inhospitable landscape. You build on existing ideas in the back of the reader’s mind.”

And crime writers aren’t alone in depicting new impressions of Australian life beyond the big smoke.

“Some of the Indigenous stories that Nardi Simpson, Anita Heiss and Melissa Lucashenko are telling now are cracking open the ideas around small towns that we have built,” Dinuka says.

“There was an identity that existed long before this, and they are bringing these back into our stories.”

T B

What’s on & what’s hot

Our pick of the very best gigs, festivals, and culinary and cultural events from around the country.

Compiled by: lauren lefever

FEB 10-Mar 5

Perth Festival

Perth, WA

Australia’s longest running festival, the Perth festival is back with music performances, art exhibitions and literary events to celebrate the people and culture of the city. perthfestival.com.au

Feb 17-19

Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival

Gladstone, QLD

Discover the best of blues, roots and rock right along the Great Barrier Reef. The Agnes Blues, Roots, and Rock Festival is three jam-packed days of high-calibre performances from over 30 bands in a beautiful coastal location. Discover new music, enjoy old favourites and rock on! agnesbluesandroots. com.au

feb 17-26

Mona Foma

Hobart, TAS

Woodchopping, midnight church concerts and performances from Bon Iver are just a few of the events at MONA’s iconic summer festival in Hobart. monafoma.net.au

feb 17-mar 5

Sydney WorldPride 2023

Sydney, NSW

A global LGBTQIA+ pride festival with parades and events to pay respect to Australia’s commitment to equality and inclusion. mardigras.org.au

feb 17-mar 19

Adelaide Fringe

Adelaide, SA

For 31 magical nights, Adelaide is transformed with events such as theatre, comedy, music, cabaret and so much more. Expect the unexpected at Australia’s biggest arts festival. adelaidefringe.com.au

Feb 23-Mar 3

Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival

Stanthorpe, QLD

Highlights include a food and wine fiesta, grand parade and grape crushing. appleandgrape.org

Gardenfest

Hadspen, TAS

Gardenfest features a wide variety of plants, garden ornaments and homewares on the magical Entally Estate. entallyestate.com.au/gardenfest

Mar 3-20

Sculpture by the Sea - Cottesloe

Perth, WA

Celebrating the 18th annual exhibition, Cottesloe’s Sculpture by the Sea features work from over 70 artists. The exhibition is featured from the sea wall, all the way along the sand towards North Cottesloe and on the surrounding grassed areas creating a beautiful sculpture park. sculpturebythesea.com/ cottesloe/

mar 5-13

Brunswick Music Festival

Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne’s longest running community festival that brings in world class international and local artists for 10 days. brunswickmusicfestival.com.au

mar 10-13 WOMADelaide

Sydney, NSW

The World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival is an iconic celebration of cultural discovery. See Australia’s finest artists and musicians in the city’s stunning Botanic Park. womadelaide.com.au

Mar 11

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival

Wagga Wagga, NSW

A Mardi Gras-inspired extravaganza where guests can celebrate art, music, dance, and of course – love! waggamardigras.com

Mar 18

Super Fun Day

Brisbane, QLD Super Fun Day combines the best of Australian music and comedy to bring audiences a spectacular summer show, with local favourites Alex Lahey and Becky Lucas. destroyalllines.com/tours/ super-fun-day-2023

Mar 24-Apr 2

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Melbourne, VIC Indulge in sweets and savouries, presenting the World’s Longest Brunch for another year in a row. melbournefoodandwine.com. au

Mar 30-Apr 2

Formula 1 Rolex

Australian Grand Prix

Melbourne, VIC

The best drivers in the world come together on the track to show off their high-speed cars. grandprix.com.au

Mar 31-Apr 1

Winton’s Way Out West Fest

Winton, QLD

Dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the Outback’, experience performances from local country artists, professional bull riders and more. wintonswayoutwestfest.com.au

may 11-21

G&S Event

Adelaide, SA

State Opera South Australia celebrates the founding fathers of British comedy opera, Gilbert & Sullivan in this 10-day festival. Featuring Pirates of Penzance and more! gandsfest.com

Adelaide Fringe

feb 25-26

To celebrate all things vino e cucina Italiana, Agostinis is popping up at Lark Hill Winery, located 30 minutes from the heart of Canberra in Bungendore.

East Hotel owners, Dan and Dion Bisa, opened Agostinis with Roman-born Executive Chef Francesco Balestrieri in 2017. They are not only hopelessly devoted to authentic Italian food but are equally passionate about good wine as well. When Chris Carpenter from Lark Hill Winery approached the pair to operate his on-site restaurant, it was a no-brainer – some partnerships are a perfect combination. After all, how can one have a plate of fresh pasta without a glass of wine?

Agostinis at Lark Hill Winery offers guests the chance to lunch in the vines with a stunning view that will transport them to the heart of Tuscany.

Alongside a selection of Agostinis’ classic dishes – including calamari fritti, prosciutto e rucola pizza and tiramisu – will be some new dishes that capture the relaxing scenery of Lark Hill.

Pair the slow-cooked lamb with a glass of Lark Hill’s ‘Dark Horse Vineyard’ Shiraz Viognier and indulge in a plate of fresh vegetables layered between silky lasagne sheets with a bottle of Lark Hill’s Grüner Veltliner.

Agostinis pop-up at Lark Hill Winery will open its doors for the first time for lunch on Saturday February 4, and Sunday February 5.

Regular opening hours will be every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from February 10, 2023.

For bookings, call (02) 6178 0038, or email eat@agostinis.com.au. agostinis.com.au.

Canberra’s local wine scene turns Italian Hotel Australasia opens its doors

Lovingly restored to its former grandeur, the Sapphire Coast icon Hotel Australasia has reopened its doors to guests.

In the heart of Eden, this five-star historic hotel has been known to locals as the “Grand Old Lady” over its 119-year history, and has now transformed into a place for guests to stay in luxury accommodation, eat, gather and be entertained.

Take in the stunning ocean or mountain views from one of the eight superbly appointed boutique rooms. They all boast heritage furniture and charming features such as clawfooted bathtubs and 100-year-old metal pressed ceilings, alongside modern perks such as high-speed internet, streaming services and complementary breakfast which can be enjoyed on your own private balcony.

With 20 years of experience, awardwinning Head Chef Luke Wakefield serves up an array of delicious dishes at the hotel restaurant Pikes Bistro. Named after the original founder of the hotel, Sabrina Pike, here you can find dishes featuring the region’s famous seafood, and deliciously fresh produce from the hotel garden.

The heritage hotel bar, The John Hines Bar, has the spirit of a country pub, inviting locals and tourists to come together over a fine wine, craft beer or

spirit. An onsite gin and vodka distillery is also scheduled for completion by September 2023, ready to welcome thirsty guests over the summer months. Hotel Australaisa is the perfect place to stay in comfort and luxury while exploring everything the Sapphire Coast has to offer. It is set to once again become an important community space for Eden and the wider Sapphire Coast community.

hotelaustralasia.com.au.

Get beach smart with Tesalate towels from Australia. With over 30 designs to choose from, Tesalate is sand-free, super absorbent, fast drying, lightweight and compact. Standard towels are $79 (AUD) and beach blankets are $119 (AUD).

Check out the collection exclusively available at tesalate.com

Driving into Twin Towns you’ll usually see one or more people standing in or beside the 8-metre high imposing concrete Queensland and NSW State Border Maker – a sculpture designed by artist Rodney Spooner.

Across the road you will find the equally impressive Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta, with its undulating layers of balconies reflecting the beach and crashing waves that can be seen and heard from the hotel’s Deluxe Rooms.

The welcoming lobby sees guests step into a world of its own, with Twin Towns Services Club and its many restaurants and cafes to the left, and an in-house bar and restaurant, Signatures, to the right. The Club has live music and shows seven days a week, and the hotel has a fitness

centre, steam room and sauna, mini golf, tennis courts, BBQ areas, a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool with plenty of lounging space. The apartments are fresh and modern, with the blue, white and pale grey palette complementing the sun-drenched spaces that have plenty of room for chilling out and watching a film, and a spacious desk area for those blending work and pleasure.

Signatures serves up a traditional buffet so that guests can start the day right, and then venture straight out into all that Coolangatta has to offer – shopping, wine and beer bars, cafes, restaurants, Greenmount Beach and Marine Parade.

For more information: all.com

The world of Twin Towns Taking conferences to the next level

Be prepared for your event to take off in 2023 with the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre. Whether you are planning a large conference, social gathering, board meeting or training session, look no further than the architecturally designed Brisbane Airport Conference Centre. Featuring 1,800 sqm of event space with state-of-the-art facilities, this unique venue is conveniently located within walking distance of the Brisbane Domestic Terminal.

In a tribute to its location, Brisbane Airport Conference Centre showcases a series of specially commissioned aviation artefacts, including a fullsized wing and propeller that form a natural centrepiece for the space.

Ideal for fly-in, fly-out meetings,

Brisbane Airport Conference Centre offers four dedicated executive boardrooms available by the hour as well eight versatile conference spaces and a unique Sky Lounge Rooftop Venue. With the capacity to cater for 300 people, the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre is designed to meet the dynamic needs of any business or group.

Beyond the work day, you can also relax in overnight accommodation at the adjoining ibis or Pullman Brisbane Airport. Take full advantage of the convenience of meeting at the airport, and book your next meeting or conference at the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre.

For more information: bneacc.com.au.

Feared and Revered: Feminine Power through the Ages TREASURES

FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Eve. Medusa. Aphrodite. Kylie Minogue. A seductive and subversive new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia explores feminine power, authority and identity through the ages.

Words: Emily Riches

GODDESSES, DEMONS, witches and spirits: call them what you like, powerful women have been capturing the world’s attention for millennia.

Feared and Revered: Feminine Power through the Ages is a bold and timely new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia which explores female spiritual beings and feminine power in the ancient and modern world.

Showcasing more than 160 stunning objects from the British Museum’s collection, it spans six continents and dates back almost 5,000 years – from 2800 BCE to the present day.

The exhibition includes a fascinating range of monumental sculptures, sacred artefacts and contemporary artworks, alongside Australian Indigenous representations of female ancestral figures and pop culture embodiments of the divine.

Curator Belinda Crerar explains that the exhibition explores how female authority and female power have been revered in different spiritual traditions around the world. “They all say something about how female identity has been viewed at some point in history, and the emphasis is really on the variety of that,” she says.

RECLAIMING HISTORY

The exhibition is divided into five themes: Creation and Nature, Passion and Desire, Magic and Malice, Justice and Defence, and Compassion and Salvation.

Within these themes there is an 18th dynasty statue of Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war, Balinese

masks, a marble statue of Aphrodite, and one of the earliest depictions of the sculptural female form in a Cycladic figurine from 2800 BCE. There are also contemporary pieces, including The Creation, 1985, by feminist artist Judy Chicago, and Kaushik Ghosh’s bloodthirsty Kali Murti, 2021.

Traditional female images of power and authority, often presented in a negative light, are here reclaimed and placed within their social and historical context.

For example, Medusa – one of the most famous monsters from Greek mythology, with living snakes for hair and the power to turn people to stone – is represented in an exquisitely carved carnelian intaglio, mounted in a gold ring. Today, Medusa has been reclaimed by feminists as a symbol of female strength and power, particularly for survivors of sexual assault and violence.

AN AUSTRALIAN FOCUS

The exhibition has also been given an Australian twist, including representations of Yawkyawk figures from Western Arnhem Land. For the Kunijku people, Yawkyawk are young female ancestral beings who inhabit freshwater pools and streams; they have the head and torso of a woman and the body and tail of a fish, and are associated with fertility.

Also on display is a costume worn by ‘pop goddess’ Kylie Minogue in her 2011 Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour, designed by Dolce and Gabbana and representing the Greek goddess of love, life, sex and passion.

Exhibition curator Caroline Edwards says, “Kylie Minogue is revered by millions of people from around the world. She’s a secular goddess – we consider her Australia’s own goddess.”

Feared and Revered is on show from 8 December 2022 to 27 August 2023. T B

TOP TO BOTTOM:

‘Queen of the Night’ relief, Iraq, about 1750 BCE; Amulet, perhaps of Sekhmet, Egypt, 900–700 BCE; Antefix, Capua, Campania, Italy, about 500 BCE. © Trustees of the British Museum, 2022.

Unpopular:

Unpopular, a new exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, explores the rise of the alternative grunge scene that exploded in the 1990s.

Words: Emily Riches

WHEN GRUNGE CAME TO AUSTRALIA

WHILE ORIGINALLY ‘unpopular’ and outside of the mainstream, grunge music spoke to youth culture and reached global success with its nonconformist attitude and energy.

At the centre of it all in Australia was Steve “Pav” Pavlovic, the music promoter and entrepreneur who brought bands such as Nirvana, Fugazi and Bikini Kill to Australian shores for the first time. The exhibition includes more than 200 unique items from Pav’s personal archive and collection including backstage photographs, gig posters, unseen video footage, music demos, tour itineraries, set lists and handwritten postcards. It all takes visitors behind the scenes in this era of live music.

The reverential opening room of the exhibition has gig photos and videos from grunge bands’ visceral live performances stretching from floor to ceiling. The energy between performers and audience members is palpable.

The exhibition pays homage to Nirvana – one of the most influential bands in music history, with footage from their very first gig in Australia in 1992 at Sydney’s Phoenician Club. The holy grail is Kurt Cobain’s Martin guitar from the MTV Unplugged show in 1993. On loan from Peter Freedman, the founder of RØDE, it is one of the most expensive guitars in the world, selling for $9 million.

Throughout the exhibition visitors can encounter recent interviews between Pav and music greats such as Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill),

Mike D and Ad-Rock (Beastie Boys), Melissa Auf Der Maur (Hole) and Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) reflecting on the bands’ tours and experiences in Australia. All look back incredibly fondly on their time here, where in between gigs they enjoyed going to the beach, camping or just relaxing. For many, these were some of their best memories touring down under.

Central to grunge in Australia was the groundbreaking Summersault festival in 1995, which toured across five Australian cities with an era-defining bill. A film by Julian Klincewicz, created specifically for the exhibition, uses archival footage of the festival to show its importance not just as a music festival but a celebration of creative youth culture.

Ultimately, Unpopular is an emotional, fun and nostalgic ride through the explosive underground music scene in the 1990s, and it truly captures the communal spirit of the time.

Unpopular runs from 27 Oct 2022 to 3 June 2023 at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, and it’s free .

ABOVE:

Installation views from the Unpopular exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo. Images: Zan Wimberley.

Indulge your senses on the EYRE PENINSULA

The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia has always been a region of unequivocal beauty. The wide, open spaces, charming seaside towns and villages, and stunning ancient sites brimming with nature and wildlife experiences are also home to some Australian business gems.

WORDs: Michelle Hespe and Emily Riches

THE EYRE Peninsula has a rich Indigenous history, and the traditional custodians of the land are the Barngarla and Nauo people. It was home to whaling and sealing industries before the first official settlement in Port Lincoln in 1839.

Port Lincoln is renowned as the seafood capital of Australia and the best place in Australia to swim with great white sharks and sea lions.

Coffin Bay – which is a half hour drive away on the opposite coast of the peninsula – is famous for its cerulean waters and oyster farms where you can shuck oysters and sip on champagne in your waders.

The region produces 65 per cent of the nation’s seafood, plucked from the clear, cool waters of the Spencer Gulf and Great Australian Bight, and it is an extraordinarily beautiful place to chill out with the locals and tuck into some of the best produce Australia has to offer.

There are so many wonderful experiences – both new and well established – to dive into in this region. Here, we’ve pulled together some unique offerings so that you can do some road tripping and beach wandering, while also fitting in a gourmand’s dream trail that reflects some of the tastes, smells, sights and sounds of South Australia’s wonderfully wild west.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE AT YARNBALA

The Slater family have always enjoyed the simple things in life: cooking under the stars with family and friends, surrounded by nature. Sharing these pleasures with others was the birth of Yarnbala, a secluded, Heritage-listed piece of bushland in Coffin Bay, where they offer immersive foodie experiences and ecotours. These include both day and nighttime events where you can take educational tours, enjoy native bush foods, musical performances or a nine-course degustation in a stunning natural setting.

‘Wild Yarnbala’ is a 1.5 hour guided tour, where guests learn about local bushfoods, the ancient art of water divining and enjoy a didgeridoo performance with South Australian beer, wine and local gin. ‘Flavours of Yarnbala’ is a stunning collaboration of nature’s providence and other locally sourced ingredients in a nine-course degustation cooked over the coals by a world-class chef. ‘Sounds of Yarnbala’ celebrates live acoustic music where local musicians perform to an exclusive group of people with wine around the campfire.

In the local Indigenous langauge, Yarnbala means ‘together in company’. As Yarnbala is 100 per cent off-grid, it offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the tranquility and fruits of our natural world. 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Port Lincoln. Image: South Australia Tourism, by Kate Overall; Yarnbala's central firepit; Guests enjoying a meal and entertainment at Yarnbala. Images by Rob Lang.

YARNBALA

SAIL AWAY WITH SUNSET CHARTERS

The Lower Eyre Peninsula is famous for its abundant seafood and marine life, and one of the best ways to experience it is out on the water.

Sunset Charters offers a 3.5 hour seafood cruise, where you can taste and explore all that Coffin Bay has to offer. Included is an all-local seasonal seafood tasting platter prepared fresh onboard, as you sit back and enjoy the postcard-perfect views of Coffin Bay.

Sunset Charters also offers a five-hour dolphin swim experience on their luxury sailing catamaran, where you can get up close and personal with these beautiful, playful creatures. The scenic cruise will take you right into the heart of Coffin Bay, where you can appreciate the stunning, sheltered waterways and pristine beaches of the area.

Sunset Charters provides all the dive gear you’ll need (including wetsuits to keep you warm in the water), so you can climb into the swim nets at the front and back of the boat to see the resident pod of Burrunan Dolphins swim and frolic right before you. They definitely know how to make a splash! If you’re not keen to get in the water, you can also book the tour as a passenger and view all the action from the deck. Breakfast and lunch are provided, as well as hot showers and drinks after your tour.

TOP TO BOTTOM: A seafood platter for guests on board Sunset Charters. A dolphin frolics next to the boat. Images: supplied. SUNSET CHARTERS

WINES WITH A VIEW AT GARDNER’S VINEYARD

In the scenic, undulating hills north of Port Lincoln lies Gardner’s Vineyard and cellar door. Rob and Chris Gardner first started producing wine on the property in 1996 and have since planted over 40 acres of vines. Gardner’s Vineyard is surrounded by a vibrant array of native flora and wildlife, and with views down to the Spencer Gulf, the property is nothing short of spectacular.

The cellar door – which has the same laidback, warm and welcoming vibe of the property – is open every day, offering a diverse array of wines to taste. From the 45,000 vines, the Gardner’s grow shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, riesling and chardonnay and have developed other wine varieties from blends of these grapes.

For those caravanning, Gardner’s offers free overnight stays with the

purchase of a wine tasting paddle or cheese grazing platter.

PETER TEAKLE WINES

Further south towards Port Lincoln you will find Peter Teakle Wines, which is home to a state-of-the-art cellar door and award-winning restaurant –Line & Label. Overlooking Boston Bay and Port Lincoln, Peter Teakle Wines boasts unparalleled views and

promises a memorable experience from the moment you step foot on to the picturesque site.

Owner Peter Teakle – whose family has been involved in the wine industry for generations – firmly believed that the Eyre Peninsula, and its unique maritime climate, would result in outstanding wines, and his vision also included a fine dining restaurant on site to showcase Port Lincoln’s 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Gardner's Vineyard offers relaxed outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a platter and wine; Interior of Gardner's Vineyard's cellar door; Wining and dining at Peter Teakle Wine's restaurant Line & Label. Images: supplied.

GARDNER'S VINEYARD

PETER TEAKLE WINES

MADE BY MOTHER NATURE

Many come to the Eyre Peninsula for its epic beaches, stunning national parks and rugged coastline. Here are some of the best outdoor experiences:

GAWLER RANGES NATIONAL PARK

• The park is famous for the magnificent Organ Pipes, spectacular granite cliffs formed over 1500 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions.

COFFIN BAY NATIONAL PARK

• Known for its remote coastal scenery, stunning pure-white shores and crystalline waters, Coffin Bay is an unmissable destination.

LINCOLN NATIONAL PARK

• Lincoln National Park overlooks Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia, with granite headlands, sheltered bays and scenic off shore islands. A variety of campgrounds offer easy access to the beaches, bays and walking trails.

TALIA CAVES

• In Elliston, see the awe-inspiring granite caves of Talia Beach. The Woolshed is a large cavern carved into the cliff by waves. A walkway and wooden steps provide access onto the rocks to view the cave with its honeycombed ceiling, dark crevices and nearby blowholes.

MURPHY'S HAYSTACKS

• Take a stroll through the amazing 100,000-yearold rock formation known as Murphy's Haystacks. These ancient inselbergs (a German word for island mountain) are a must for photographers.

enviable array of local seafood and fresh produce.

To bring his vision to fruition, Peter enlisted his son Ben Teakle, chief winemaker Liz Heidenreich and executive chef Mark Jensen, to lead a talented and dedicated team. Utilising a multi-million dollar, 100-tonne wine crush facility, the fruit is kept in pristine condition before being made into wine, resulting in award-winning flavours.

The property’s iconic cellar door was rapidly embraced as a Port Lincoln landmark thanks to its spectacular curved aesthetic, reminiscent of a trio of wine barrels. The unique building was recognised in 2021 with the Best Building Excellence Award in the two to five million dollar category at the Master Builders SA Awards.

Under the masterful eye of executive chef Mark Jensen, 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission. Photographer Rob Blackburn; Peter Teakle's state-of-the-art winery; Executive Chef Mark Jensen and his talented team. Images: supplied.

Line & Label’s menu combines outstanding local produce with fresh Asian flavours, and it has earned the eatery both the Australian Good Food Guides’ Chef Hat and Readers’ Choice Award.

FINDING NEW HORIZONS AFTER JUMPING SHIP

Jump Ship Brewing was established in January 2023 when owners Michelle and Steven Hankins turned an old, deserted tile shop in Port Lincoln into a brewery and restaurant.

Jumping ship is the reason they are here today, as Steven’s great grandfather was a sailor, who in 1924 endured violent storms aboard his ship from Norway that had docked in Port Lincoln. He jumped ship at night and ventured inland, escaping the ship and creating a new life in Australia. Fast forward to today, and Michelle and Steven are grateful for his courage to choose a new path which inspired them to also venture into the unknown.

The brewery is a celebration of community in a relaxed and

inclusive social space predominantly filled with products made in Port Lincoln and South Australia. Tapas and tacos are dished up to pair with the range of beers on tap.

Jump Ship Brewing has a core range of pale ales, lager and mid-strength options, and the beer names and branding pay homage to the local area. If you aren’t a beer drinker, there’s a range of non-alcoholic beverages to wet your whistle, also made in South Australia.

The brewery is open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-10pm, with an 8pm closure on Sunday.

FRENCH CONNECTION AT BOSTON BAY WINES

A ten minute-drive north of Port Lincoln along the highway you’ll find Boston Bay Wines, which was originally called Port Champagny by

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Exterior of Jump Ship Brewing; Murphy's Haystacks. Image: Mish and Kirk ; Interior of Jump Ship Brewing. Images: Amy Rowsell Photography

JUMP SHIP BREWING

French explorer Captain Nicholas Baudin and his cartographer, as they were so impressed by the area that they thought it would be ideal wine growing country.

A hundred and eighty years later the Ford family arrived in the region and settled in Boston Bay, and when Graham Ford was told that it could be fine grape country, he and his wife Mary and their family planted a vineyard of premium riesling, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and shiraz.

Today, the next generation –Tony and Sonia Ford – are the proud owners of Boston Bay Wines, and they are committed to the celebration of Eyre Peninsula’s finest seafood, offering their guests flavour-filled, unpretentious food in a relaxed restaurant with seating outside on the lawns overlooking the ocean.

The wines are the stars of the show – their 2019 Boston Bay Riesling recently won the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Trophy for the Wine of the Year at the Winestate Magazine Awards – however it is also the only vineyard in the world to offer sightings of whales at play in the waters below the stunning rows of vines surrounded by emerald-green pastures.

Tony and Sonia’s latest venture is an interactive seafood cooking

experience partnered with wine tastings and good dollops of Tony’s humour (which is almost as wellknown as the wines) and a food and wine members’ club.

The Ford Family would like to thank all their amazing supporters over the last 39 years.

Boston Bay Wines is open 7 days a week from 12.00 to 4.00pm, and it also has an in-house catering service and can be hired for corporate events and weddings.

bostonbaywines.com.au T B

SHUCK IT UP IN COFFIN BAY

Coffin Bay is globally renowned as one of the best places to eat oysters straight from the water. Visitors can don their waders and walk through crystal clear turquoise waters and explore an oyster farm. You’ll no doubt be joined by some other marine life while you are at it. You can also take a cruise with one of the local operators and meet the oyster farmers.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

The beautiful property and vineyards of Boston Bay Wines; A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Boston Bay Wines. Guests shuck oysters with Experience Coffin Bay. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia. Photographer Issac Forman.

BOSTON BAY WINES

Autumn adventures and adrenaline

CAIRNS

After a summer of rejuvenating rainfall, the rainforests of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are lush, the rivers are full, and the waterfall chasing is spectacular. What can we say? Autumn looks great in green.

Words: Emily RicheS

CHASING WATERFALLS

Cairns receives most of its 2,000mm of annual rainfall over the summer months. All that rain trickles into the creeks and rivers, some of which spills spectacularly over rocky cliffs into crystal-clear waterholes – creating majestic, misty views.

In fact, Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) has more waterfalls than just about anywhere else in the country, and here, autumn swims are a daily ritual for the locals.

The Cassowary Coast – named due to its famous, feathered locals – runs from Cairns to Cardwell, and is a great place to find some of the region’s most beautiful falls and swimming holes. Josephine Falls – an hour south of Cairns – has a natural rockslide that will see you scooting toes-first into the emerald-green pools below. Nandroya Falls is a picture-perfect waterfall, which you can hike to from the Henrietta Creek camping area, while the Cardwell Spa Pool’s iconic blue water is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. It's the perfect spot for a refreshing soak while surrounded by ancient rocks, twisted tree roots and a natural amphitheatre of rainforest.

The Atherton Tableland's Waterfall Circuit is also home to some of Cairns’ 

OPPOSITE PAGE, THEN TOP TO BOTTOM: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over Din Din (Barron Falls). Image: Brad Newton; Cairns Canyoning; Guests enjoying seafood and drinks at Prawn Star; Fishing with East Coast Angling. Images: Tourism and Events Qld.

most popular waterfalls, including the beautiful Millaa Millaa – a stunning swimming spot – and Zillie and Ellinjaa falls. Some falls that are just for viewing include Millstream Falls –Australia’s widest, single-drop waterfall, that can be found on the outskirts of Queensland’s highest town, Ravenshoe. And you can’t miss the dramatic Din Din (Barron Falls) –a thunderous spectacle where you can witness an outpouring of more than 265,000 megalitres a day.

ADVENTUROUS EXPERIENCES

With so many gushing waterfalls and brimming rivers, now is the prime time to get the adrenaline pumping on a white water rafting adventure. Raging Thunder Adventures offers tours of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Tully River, where the guides show you how to navigate the rapids like a pro. They

TOP TO BOTTOM:

are there with you for every twist and turn of the river that slices dramatically through the spectacular World Heritage rainforest.

Meanwhile, Cairns Canyoning offers a chance to channel your inner explorer with an expedition into the depths of the tropics. During a half or full day in the rainforest you can get your Indiana Jones on and abseil down towering cliffs, riverboard down rapids, leap from rocks and clamber up crevices, and then chill out and swim under waterfalls. There are options to suit all thrill-seekers, and do prepare to get drenched.

KEEPING IT REEL

If fishing is your thing, then you’ll have another reason to love Cairns and TNQ. Many fishing fanatics make an annual pilgrimage up north with dreams of luring in a big one.

As one of the world’s best wilderness fishing hotspots, you can catch fish pretty much anywhere you drop in a line: on the open sea, from the stunning beaches, inland rivers or tidal estuaries. While zoning and limits apply to certain areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, whether you’re dropping in a handline or big-game fishing for yellowfin tuna, there’s something for every level of experience.

Bait shops can provide you with handy hints and local tips on the best places to go, or you can book a fishing charter which caters for both amateurs and seasoned pros. Gone Fishing, Cairns Reef Fishing, Fish Tales and East Coast Angling all provide fishing gear, and the crew will help you identify and clean your catch.

If you are lucky enough to land a big one, there’s plenty of restaurants in downtown Cairns that have chefs who

Swimming at Josephine Falls. Image: Tourism and Events Qld; Hemingway's Brewery. Image: Krista Eppelstun; The stunning Millaa Millaa Falls. Image: Tourism and Events Qld.

will happily cook your catch for you, including Ochre Cairns for fresh and seasonal Australian cuisine, and Salt House – an iconic institution in Cairns with a superb location between the Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Marlin Marina. Here, it’s all about alfresco drinks, groovy live music and fresh, local produce.

DRINK AND DINE BEACHSIDE

In the tropics, you don’t want to be far from stunning waterfront views – especially with a beverage in hand. Cairns is well known for its waterfront bars, where you’ll see just why ocean views and bars are a match made in heaven.

Make sure to check out the exciting Prawn Star – a restaurant made from four restored fishing trawlers moored and decorated in fairy lights. It's Pperfect for an evening of seafood and cold bevvies under the stars. If it’s the classic brewpub experience you’re after, you can’t go past Hemingway’s Brewery with craft beer developed onsite and an easy, relaxed vibe. For sundowners, the Bluewater at Trinity Park – perched on the marina with an al fresco terrace – is absolutely built for it, or visit Trinity Beach Tavern for a classic pub feed with stunning views of the Coral Sea from the balcony.

For foodies looking to taste their way around the region, join a half-day brewery and distillery tour led by Cairns Brewery Tours, or head further afield to the Cairns Tablelands to try small batch spirits, organic wines and local produce such as native tropical fruits, coffee and jams with Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures. Find out more by visiting cairnsgreatbarrierreef.com. T B

TASMANIA’S best-kept gourmet secrets

Hobart and Launceston are well known as popular destinations for wine and food lovers, but there are also plenty of discoveries to be made across the island state.

Words: Winsor Dobbin

ASHCRAIG THAI RESTAURANT

A small orange cabin in Tasmania’s far south – several kilometres from the nearest shop – is the unlikely venue where you can discover some of the most authentic Thai food in the state.

Ashcraig Farm at Nicholls Rivulet outside Cygnet, is an organic fruit and vegetable farm that sells produce to several of Tasmania’s top eateries, but it is also home to the Thai restaurant that draws in locals and those in the know. With a chef from Isaan (known for spicy chili-accented food), Ashcraig serves up dishes like tom kha soup, massaman beef, basil chili and tom yum stir fries, and a range of curries. Eat in or takeaway from Thursdays to Sundays. BYO. Call (03) 6295 0901.

OPPOSITE, THEN TOP TO BOTTOM: Vineyard of Mewstone Wines. Image: Mewstone Wines ; Cygnet countryside. Image: Paul County ; interior of The Farm Shed; Exterior of The Farm Shed. Images: Tourism Tasmania.

THE FARM SHED, BICHENO

This is a regional one-stop shop for wine lovers and spirit aficionados at Bicheno on the east coast. The Farm Shed/East Coast Wine Centre offers tastings and sales of wines from every wine producer on Tasmania’s East Coast – between Triabunna to just north of St Helens – including many that do not have their own cellar doors. There are several wines in Enomatic machines so you can have a taste before you commit, and there are also flights of Tasmanian whiskies and gins on offer. Now under new management but offering the same experience, The Farm Shed is open seven days during summer. Look out for wines from smaller vineyards like Hurly Burly, Ossa and Boomer Creek. Visit thefarmshedtas.com.au.

HURSEY SEAFOODS, STANLEY

No trip to the north-west of Tasmania is complete without enjoying a seafood feast at Hursey Seafoods on the waterfront in the picturesque hamlet of Stanley. The Hursey family (featured on TV series Aussie Lobster Men) have their own fishing fleet and run a large wholesale fish operation as well as a restaurant with takeaway and fresh fish sales. The restaurant backs onto the Nut Reserve and the large lobster on the roof means it’s easily spotted. Dishes include seafood marinara as well as fish tacos and fresh southern rock lobster (Tasmanian crayfish) served with Stanley saltbush butter. The décor celebrates the family’s fishing history with wooden oars, old portholes, a ship’s compass and old fishing charts. Call (03) 6458 1103.

CINNAMON AND CHERRY, FRANKLIN

A small village overlooking the Huon River is the unlikely home of a small café specialising in gourmet treats from Turkey and the Middle East. It’s the ideal spot to stop for a bite en route to the Hastings Caves or Tahune Airwalk. Think warm Turkish bread and a substantial range of Middle Eastern dips, or just pop in for Turkish coffee. The menu is vegetarian-friendly with a selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Choose from delicious house-baked bread and pastries, both sweet and savoury, or homemade cakes. After feasting, take a walk along the banks of the tranquil Huon River. Call 0419 410 845.

LOVE LUCY BOOTS, WESTBURY

Coffee in the morning, wine by night. Love Lucy Boots is a new dualpurpose venue set in an 1870s house in a small town in the north of Tasmania, just 25 minutes from

TOP TO BOTTOM: Hursey Seafoods' recognisable shopfront. Image: Lusy Productions ; Interior of Love Lucy Boots. Image: Love Lucy Boots ; The Huon River at Franklin.

Image: Emilie Ristevski

Launceston. Love Lucy Boots Wine

Room sits only 15 people and aims to showcase wines and small plates with a focus on regional and family-owned businesses. The wine and food list changes regularly, depending on the season and what new wine discoveries have been made. The venue offers a takeaway espresso bar from 7:30am9:30am Friday to Monday, offering pastries and sourdough breads. Once evening hits, wines take centre stage. Visit lovelucyboots.com.au/

TRIABUNNA FISH VAN, TRIABUNNA

The setting may be rustic, but the seafood here cannot be beaten in quality or price. Think fresh-cooked local fish and crispy hot chips served with tartare sauce, a slice of lemon and a choice of vinegars. Take a seat overlooking the Triabunna’s fishing fleet and pull out a BYO bottle of local wine. No corkage. And cost per head?

Just $13. Triabunna Fish Van is around a 90-minute drive from Hobart and the ideal spot to stop for anyone travelling on the Great Eastern Drive from the capital to tourism destinations like Bicheno or Coles Bay. The menu also features scallops, squid and other sea creatures and all the food is freshly cooked while you wait. The van is open daily from 11am-6:30pm. Visit thefishvan.com.au.

OLD KEMPTON

DISTILLERY, KEMPTON

Turn off the main highway between Hobart and Launceston and discover the sleepy hamlet of Kempton. Here historic sandstone Dysart House, built in the 1840s, is home to one of Tasmania's best boutique distilleries and a country-style cafe and providore with friendly service. Throw in beautiful gardens and whisky tours and tastings and you have Old Kempton Distillery – just a 40-minute drive north of Hobart. In addition to a

range of single malt whiskies, you’ll discover Embezzler Gin, Barley Vodka, Lavender Malt and Apple Liqueur, distilled from Tasmanian apple cider. The brick stables, once home to 22 horses, now house a Tasmanian-made copper still. Visit oldkemptondistillery. com.au.

MEWSTONE/HUGHES & HUGHES WINES, FLOWERPOT

Family-owned-and-operated Mewstone cellar door is only in its second year but is already drawing crowds in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel south of Hobart. Jonny and Matt Hughes offer structured tastings of their Mewstone (estate) and Hughes & Hughes (grower fruit) wines at their architecturally designed cellar door, which offers spectacular water views from the estate vineyard. The wines tend to be small batch and inclined towards non-interventional winemaking. The cellar door is open 11am-4pm Friday to Sunday and guided tastings are $25 per person. All booked tastings are seated, and each group is hosted by a member of the cellar door team – and occasionally by Jonny Hughes himself. Visit mewstonewines.com.au. T B

TOP TO BOTTOM: Grand exterior of Dysart House, home to the Old Kempton Distillery. Image: Emilie Ristevski; Time for a taste at Old Kempton Distillery. Image: Tourism Australia; The Fish Van and Cara Wilson. Image: Tourism Tasmania, by Rob Burnett

WHERE WILL YOUR NEXT OUTBACK

QUEENSLAND ADVENTURE TAKE

YOU?

Outback Queensland is home to an abundance of authentic heritage attractions, vibrant country towns, quirky and classic events, and stunning natural wonders.

Experience a timeless landscape, learn about our ancient Indigenous culture, or explore historic towns and get to know the locals. Come face-to-face with Australia’s largest dinosaurs or follow in the footsteps of our early explorers and pioneers.

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, experience genuine country hospitality or share a once in a lifetime journey with family, you can be assured of a warm welcome in Outback Queensland.

START PLANNING YOUR OUTBACK ADVENTURE TODAY: outbackqueensland.com.au

Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton

WWII Secret Base and Tour, Charleville

Wallaroo Outback Retreat, via Injune

Nullawokka First Nations Tours, Bollon

Sand Dunes, Windorah

SPOILT FOR CHOICE WITH

Outback events

WHETHER IT’S participating in sporting or music events, eating and drinking your way across the region, or taking a step back in time to learn about Australia’s rich history, there’s an event to entertain everyone in Outback Queensland. Don’t miss out – plan your next Outback Queensland holiday around some of our super fun, quirky and worldclass events.

For a taste of country life, grab your Akubra and join the locals at iconic rodeos and musters, horse and camel racing. And meet the farmers and producers responsible for our fabulous Aussie produce at agricultural shows, food festivals and craft markets.

Lovers of the arts are spoilt for choice with film, music, dance and art events set amongst some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Celebrate ‘Hollywood in the Outback’ at Winton’s Vision Splendid film festival dedicated to Outback-

inspired films, First Nations storytellers and film locations. The desert is the backdrop for the Big Red Bash at Birdsville and the quintessentially Outback event, the Boulia Camel Races.

Don’t forget to look out for some fabulous new events and experiences launching in 2023. In April, stargazing and a lantern parade are featured at the Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, and Cunnamulla is honouring its connection to water through art, music, storytelling and light at its River Lights Festival. Head to Dirranbandi’s Big Day Out Music Festival in June for a live music lineup to raise funds for agricultural student scholarships.

Queensland Opera will perform some of Queensland’s most iconic songs on their Lady Sings the Maroons Tour from mid-May to early June, and opera fans can also catch world-renowned Australian soprano Mirusia performing under the stars

at Baldy Top in August.

There’s also a wealth of new experiences to look forward to, from rail and cruise adventures and new tours, to craft gins and a luxury artesian hot springs experience!

With so many fantastic events and experiences, the only problem is which to choose. Pick your favourites and combine them to create your Outback event adventure. T B

Check out our full list of Outback events online at: outbackqueensland.com.au/events/

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Boulia Camel Races; Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships; Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival; Easter in the Country; Queensland Opera, Lady Sings the Maroons; Easter in the Vines.

DIVE INTO THE Macleay Valley Coast

If your idea of a great getaway is beach hopping, camping and driving up north without the crowds, then it’s time you discovered all that the Macleay Valley Coast has to offer.

1. POINT PLOMER, CRESCENT HEAD

Start your adventure into the beautiful Macleay Valley Coast by packing up a car and 4WDriving along Point Plomer Road to Point Plomer. Or if you want to add to the fun, you can hit the beach for a drive along the sand – but do make sure you get a permit first. No 4WD? No worries, as you can drive along the Pacific Highway to get to this top spot.

Point Plomer is a popular surfing, swimming and fishing beach. Located near Crescent Head, the beach offers a fantastic right-hand point break for surfers and clean, calm swimming conditions that make it ideal for families and children. Take a walk to the top of the headland to spot Plomer’s resident playful pod of dolphins surfing or enjoy a long stroll to the end of the beach. Better still, book a night (or five) in the beachside campground and wake up to the sound of gentle waves almost lapping on your doorstep.

2. DELICATE NOBBY BEACH, CRESCENT HEAD

Continue the drive onto Delicate Nobby Beach, where you’ll find your own rock pools to play and snorkel in. Delicate is also one of the few beaches that allows dogs off-leash. Pitch a tent or park a camper at Delicate campground (also dog-friendly) and the world is your oyster. You can go surfing near Delicate Nobby, whale watching, snorkelling or swimming in the clear waters, or take the kids beachcombing.

3. RACECOURSE BEACH, CRESCENT HEAD

Quiet, expansive, beautiful and often windswept – this is the perfect place to escape to if you want a solitary walk or surf.

4. KILLICK CREEK, CRESCENT HEAD

It’s a summertime tradition for many families to pack up the inflatable floaties and make the pilgrimage to Crescent Head for lazy days spent floating in the creek. The lucky ones chance upon a king tide and go flying down

the creek at thrilling speeds. The creek runs out to the ocean, joining the Crescent Head Surfing Reserve – a world-famous surfing location with a phenomenal right-hand wave.

5. HAT HEAD AND KOROGORO CREEK

A hotspot for families and fisherfolk, the turquoise Korogoro Creek is a sight to behold at high tide. Pack your snorkelling and fishing gear and set up on the sand beside the creek for a great day outdoors. In summer, snorkellers will spot tropical fish that won’t be seen any further south than Hat Head. The beach itself is also safe for kids and patrolled during the holidays. 

OPPOSITE PAGE, THEN TOP TO BOTTOM: South West Rocks. Image: Destination NSW; Stunning Racecourse Beach; Kayaking at Crescent Head.

Images: Macleay Valley Coast/The Sunday Directive.

6. GAP BEACH, SOUTH WEST ROCKS

An adventurer’s paradise, white-sand Gap Beach is only accessible by 4WD or by hiking the stunning Smoky Cape Trail. Be aware that the beach is not patrolled. If you’re lucky, you’ll end up enjoying this beach with no one else around, although the locals do love it as a great place to fish off the beach or surf.

7. TRIAL BAY AND MAIN BEACH, SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Trial Bay is usually protected by the swell, so it’s a top, calm spot for the kids and one of the few places on the East Coast you can watch the sun set over the water. Main Beach is a gloriously long stretch of sand that runs for 3.5 kilometres from Trial Bay into the heart of South West Rocks. This beach is patrolled during summer and school holidays.

8. HORSESHOE BAY, SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Location, location, location! The picturesque Horseshoe Bay is a stone’s throw from the centre of town, making it a delightful spot to dine on fish and chips while watching the waves and the seagulls wheeling through the sky. The safe little cove is patrolled on weekends and during school holidays and is a wonderful place for a refreshing dip.

9. STUARTS POINT

Set on the banks of the Macleay River, the Point Holiday Park is a serene getaway nestled between flowing waterways, beach frontage and lush forest. Whether you prefer to launch the kayak from the banks of the upper Macleay River, stroll along the footbridge to the beach, or just sit back and cast a line from the park, you’ll find it all right here.

10. GRASSY HEAD

This little-known treasure has a secret fan base of holiday makers who spend Christmas in the Grassy Head Holiday Park playing cricket and swimming at the beautiful beach just over the dunes. Walk around the headland to find private rock pools or enjoy an uncrowded surf on the southern side of Grassy Head.

To find out more, head to macleayvalleycoast.com.au or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @macleayvalleycoast. T B

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Snorkelling in peace at Hat Head; Crescent Head; Horseshoe Bay. Images: Macleay Valley Coast/The Sunday Directive. Beach camping at Crescent Head. Image: Alexandra Adoncello

Discover something new

If your idea of a dream getaway is exploring deserted pristine beaches, cruising along unspoilt waterways, fishing for your lunch and standing on headlands where you feel as though you’re the only person on Earth, then it’s time you headed to Macleay Valley Coast.

DUSK AT MAIN BEACH AT SOUTH WEST ROCKS, MACLEAY VALLEY COAST.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE

family

You don’t have to go far to find a great family getaway. Australia is bursting with some of the finest and most unique hotels and resorts to suit kids of all ages. From waterslides and wave pools to sleeping with the lions, it ’ll be hard to choose just one.

PARADISE RESORT

Voted Australia’s leading family resort, Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast is a must-visit for every family. The resort is designed to keep your children entertained, making it the perfect getaway for your next holiday. Kids can take advantage of the resort's ice-skating rink, waterpark, game room and jungle gym, while teens will find themselves in the teens club, where they can socialise with others their own age. The resort also makes sure there are daily activities for families to enjoy together, such as movie nights and live music shows. With fun and games always at your fingertips, you won’t want to leave paradise. 

WORDs: Lauren Lefever

FAIRMONT RESORT

The award-winning Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains combines luxury and leisure to offer an unforgettable experience. Indoor and outdoor pools, gymnasiums, tennis and basketball courts, a golf course and the region's first ice-skating rink, (suitable for all ages and levels) make the resort a premier destination for family fun. The Fairmont Resort is also the perfect getaway for you and your partner to indulge in a relaxing day spa and great dining, all while staying in a luxury suite.

SILVERWATER RESORT

For a special stay on Phillip Island, the Silverwater Resort has everything you and your family need. Stay in one of their one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, which include a private terrace overlooking the island, and take advantage of all of the amenities the resort has to offer. The kids can enjoy heated pools, table tennis, arcade games and even jumping pillows. After a day of fun, relax at the Watermark Restaurant and Lounge Bar, where children can indulge in gourmet desserts while the adults enjoy a creative cocktail.

MERCURE KAKADU CROCODILE HOTEL

A short drive from the township of Jabiru, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel makes it easy to explore Kakadu’s most significant natural attractions, including Ubirr and Nourlangie. The hotel itself is shaped like the head of a crocodile, but the architecture isn’t the only cool thing about this resort. After a day of discovery tours in Kakadu, guests can cool off in the large outdoor pool, then enjoy a gourmet meal of Kakadu bush tucker at the Escarpment Restaurant and Bar.

BIG4 ADVENTURE WHITSUNDAY RESORT

This place is the ultimate holiday destination for families with kids of all ages. The Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort caters to everyone’s taste and budget, with various condos, cabins and villas available to stay in. To entertain the kids, a mega waterslide park takes up a portion of the resort, while the 13 colourful waterslides take family entertainment to a whole new level. There’s also an Animal Park, with a collection of kid-friendly animals to visit, as well as mini golf and an outdoor cinema. There’s plenty to

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Camel rides on Cable Beach, Broome. Image: Greg Snell; Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Image: Tourism and Events Qld; Fairmont Resort, NSW. Image: James Horan for Destination NSW.

Situated on the cusp of the Jamison Valley – a part of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park – and a short 90 minutes drive west of Sydney, the award-winning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is the pinnacle of up-scale accommodation in Leura. The resort has unparalleled leisure facilities for the whole family including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Ubika day spa, an arcade room, jungle gym, basketball and tennis courts, as well as the region's first ever ice skating rink. There is also a variety of dining outlets, making the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains the ultimate family escape destination.

Blue Mountains Ice Skating Rink

do for adults at this resort as well. You’ll have the kids so captivated and entertained that they won’t even notice that you’ve slipped off for a poolside massage or spa session.

JAMALA WILDLIFE LODGE

The Jamala Wildlife Lodge in Canberra is a roaring good time for any family. Its three individually designed five-star accommodation precincts provide you with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals. Stay in one of the Giraffe Treehouses, where friendly giraffes linger on your side of the lounge. Or stay in a jungle bungalow, where you’re one heartbeat away from lions, tigers and Malayan sun bears. Oh my!

RAWNSLEY PARK STATION

Overlooking the southern side of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station provides the perfect base for exploring South Australia's picturesque Flinders Ranges.

Stay in a traditional Australian homestead, featuring a spacious living room, wide verandah and your own private swimming pool. Spend your holiday walking the Flinders Range with multi-day guided tours, helicopter rides over the area and wildlife tours. This resort offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the outback with your family.

CABLE BEACH CLUB

Located in Broome, the Cable Beach Club is a beautiful destination for a family holiday. The Cable Beach

Club is located directly on Cable Beach, so families can enjoy the region's attractions, including camel tours and relaxing in the sun. The resort also offers boat tours, kayaking, whale watching and a chance to hang with giant saltwater crocodiles at the crocodile park. Take a break at one of the resort's many restaurants or bars after a long day of exploring, where you'll find a wide variety of drinks and menu options to suit both you and the little ones. Or just pull up a chair on the beach to watch one of Broome's famous sunsets. T B

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rawnsley Park Station. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission; Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

Image: Jamala Wildlife Lodge; Fairmont Resort & Spa. Image: Destination NSW.

VOTED AUSTRALIA’S BEST FAMILY RESORT 10 YEARS IN A ROW

TrulyAus Products

OUR TOP PICKS OF AUSSIE-MADE PRODUCTS FOR AUTUMN INSPIRATION.

Compiled by: Lauren

Lefever

1. Aussie Disposals –Hi-Tec Altitude Hike Shoe

Designed and made for those who love hiking and the outdoors, the Hi-Tec Altitude Hike Shoe offers superior comfort to ease the pressure when walking and protect your skin from stings and bites. The fit and performance of Aussie Disposal boots are superior, so you can step out in confidence. aussiedisposals.com.au

$199.99

2. Yellow Earth – Aussie Alpaca Socks

Made from the finest alpaca wool, the Yellow Earth socks are designed to feel warm and comfortable on your feet. Alpaca wool contains mini air-pockets in its fibres to act as a natural heat insulator, so you can feel stylish and snug as you trek along the hiking trails, or curl up on the couch. yellowearth.com.au

$40.00

3. Madura – Premium Blend

Made locally in New South Wales, Madura Tea is the perfect morning or afternoon treat to bring sweetness and warmth to any rainy day. Whether you’re making a brew for yourself or enjoying a cuppa with a friend, experience the full-body flavour of premium black tea. maduratea.com.au

$11.55

4. Pawsome Organics –Pumpkin and Turmeric Dog Treats

Our furry friends deserve only the best. Featuring 100 per cent natural ingredients such as banana, kale, pumpkin seeds and turmeric, Pawsome Organics’ Pumpkin and Turmeric Dog Treats will help to keep your pup happy and healthy every single day. pawsomeorganics.com.au

$16.90

5.

Hunter Candles –no. 2 saddle leather

Crafted using biodegradable soy wax and hand-poured in Newton, Hunter Candles are designed to transform your mood and your home. Bring fond memories of family and the farm to life with the warm, earthy scents of mowed hay, scarlet saffron and saddle leather. huntercandles.com.au

$59.00

6. Koko Black – Koko Australian Critters Collection

What better way to celebrate Easter this year than with the Australian Critters Collection? Spice up any Easter basket with rich, decadent chocolate that not only tastes delicious, but supports Australian wildlife as well. kokoblack.com

$34.90

The perfect jacket for both your daily commute and weekend hike, the Refuge Jacket keeps you protected no matter the weather. Being lightweight, breathable and water-resistant, you can rely on it to keep you protected and dry all year round. ambleoutdoors.com.au

$199.00

Batch & Co Espresso Martinis are infused with Melbourne cold-drip coffee, chocolate and vodka for a decadent and easy cocktail. Your friends (and your taste buds) will thank you when you bring these along to your next event. batchandco.com.au

$50.00

Made from lightweight and weatherproof material, the Kokoda Rucksack is the ideal bag for every backpacker and traveller. With a spacious interior and large, outside pockets, this bag will fit everything you need for your next adventure.

au.kakaduaustralia.com

$219.90

The perfect combination of both stylish and boho! The Billie hat is a unisex style made from breathable natural fibres and finished with a stylish leather band. Each Mason hat is hand finished in Tasmania, and ready to wear to any occasion, from the beach to the bar. masonhats.com.au

$149.00

Enjoy a taste of autumn with Jomila’s citrus lip balm. This multi-purpose balm can be used on your lips, cuticles, dry patches and anywhere else you might need protection from dry weather. Jomila is a trusted Australian brand, creating skincare products that work for over 40 years. jomila.com.au

$12.95

Featuring a funky, floral and retro design, the Hendeer Penny Lane Woven Picnic Rug is the ideal throw for any bush or beach picnic. This lightweight rug is thoughtfully woven using a blend of cotton and recycled polyester to create an intricate bohemian design. hendeer.com

$109.00

7. Amble – Elements Waterproof Jacket

8. Batch & Co – Espresso Martini (4 pack)

12. Hendeer – Picnic Rug

10. Mason – Billie Hat

11. Jomila – Citrus Lip Balm

9. Kakadu Traders Australia –Kokoda Rucksack

SOLE MATES

Can you tell us about your role at Swanky Socks and how the company first came about?

I am the founder and co-director of Swanky Socks. Currently, I oversee our Australian and UK office. Swanky Socks was founded after receiving a pair of well-known branded socks, which after one wear, had a hole in them. From this, we have continued to develop our brand into a high-quality Australian Merino-based company with a focus around sustainability.

How has Swanky Socks grown over the years?

Swanky Socks is no overnight success. Established in 2014/15 we’ve pivoted many times over the years to get to today. Our future is exciting. After the retail brand diversified into the corporate market, we have firmly established ourselves as one of the most prominent custom sock brands globally.

Why is producing sustainably important to you?

Swanky Socks has always had a strong focus on ensuring a sustainable brand identity. With a focus around sustainable, natural materials like Merino wool we believe we are offering some of the best socks available while also ensuring we’re doing our part to support a cleaner environment.

What are some of the benefits of Merino wool socks?

After initially discovering Merino wool in 2016, we have continued to educate, learn and understand just how amazing this material truly is. They’re more durable than cotton, meaning you’ll get a lot more wear out of your socks.

They’re actually great all year round. Merino wool is a great temperature regulator meaning your socks will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

This natural fibre is also exceptionally good when it comes to moisture and wicks away sweat, keeping your feet fresh all day long.

Not to mention, they feel amazing! Merino wool fibres are super soft and comfortable. We’re so confident in this, we have a first pair guarantee – love them or they’re free.

For every pair of socks bought, another is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. What inspired you to give back to those in need?

This initiative was inspired after learning how importable socks were for those experiencing homelessness. Socks and underwear are two of the most needed items, yet they are the least donated.

So now we are also focusing on giving back through our channels. To date, we’ve almost reached $850,000

worth of socks donated, and funds raised from the sale of our socks for charities around Australia.

Do you have a favourite Swanky Socks design?

I’ve always believed in clean, subtle design such as dots and stripes. I do love our range from the Shiraz collection.

What’s the next big move for Swanky Socks?

Our focus right now is to mirror what we’ve done in Australia in the UK and US. With the launch of our UK office this year, we’ve been able to service business orders exceptionally fast. I have a vision for Swanky Socks to be the number one B2B custom sock manufacturer globally and believe we have everything in place to ensure our success.

When it comes to travel, where is your favourite place to travel in Australia?

Throughout Covid-19, I’ve consistently traveled between Sydney and Byron Bay and spent time in Suffolk Park. It has this calming peacefulness about it, and being there gives me time to switch off and come back to Sydney completely focused.

I often walk along Tallows Beach, soaking up the amazing natural beauty Australia has to offer. T B

We spoke to Swanky Socks founder and co-director Tom Lawrence about the importance of sustainability, giving back and stepping with purpose.

Words: Emily Riches

80. LOSING THEIR VOICE

A new study has found that the Albert’s lyrebird could be losing its song if more isn’t done to protect its precious habitat.

Image by Imogen Warren

Bee vaccination approved to fight deadly disease

The US Department of Agriculture has approved a vaccine to protect honeybees from American foulbrood (AFB), and it has positive implications for the future of Australian bees. AFB is a fatal disease found all over Australia. Legally, all hives infected with AFB must be destroyed to prevent further spreading, making it a big problem for bees and beekeepers. AFB is often spread due to poor beekeeping habits, or by the bees themselves. It infects and kills baby bees, leaving spores that can continue to infect the hive for 40 to 80 years. Once it reaches a bee community, there’s not much that can be done.

The new vaccine was developed by the biotech company Dalan Animal Health, which uses dead cells from Paenibacillus larvae bacteria, the primary cause of AFB, to develop immunity. Expected to be released into the market later this year, the vaccine will be fed to worker bees, who will then transfer it to the jelly they feed to the queen. Once the queen is protected, she can pass on immunity to her young. This simple and effective vaccine is giving scientists hope for a solution against this deadly disease: a means of protecting bees and ensuring their long-term survival.

NEW METHOD FOR STOPPING “FISHY” SEAFOOD FRAUD

Scientists can now use fish ear bones to distinguish between fish species, and in turn, stop seafood fraud. The ear bones, known as otoliths, of every species of fish are unique in size and shape. Analysing trace elements found in otoliths, as well as water residue, can determine whether a fish is migratory or resident of different areas. By collecting samples from fish markets and looking at the fish provenance, experts can determine if the fish are really from where the merchants claim, or if they’re involved in seafood fraud.

This is possible thanks to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, that has compiled over 350,000 otoliths in a library after more than three decades of studying fish ear bones. While scientists previously used scales to determine the age and health of fish, otoliths offer a more accurate measurement. Through the study of these bones, fisheries can also determine the health of a fish species, and the spread of ages within a community. Ear bones found in the stomachs of other fish and birds can also lead to a greater understanding of the food chain.

Cheriton Valley: A PICTURESQUE HAVEN AND THE PERFECT CITY ESCAPE

Nestled in the beautiful Cheriton Valley just minutes north of the town of Gingin, an exclusive country address with an idyllic lifestyle in a safe, close-knit community awaits. It offers the best of countryside living while being on the fringes of Perth.

Country Heights Estate has been developed to an exceptional standard with fast-speed internet, scheme water, power and sealed roads, whilst retaining its rural charm and natural beauty – with stands of mature gum trees and untouched bush adding to its appeal.

The stunning estate is home to 313 exclusive 1-hectare lots, plus rural residential homesites with utterly breathtaking views of rolling hills and sweeping valleys.

Claymont Chairman Jerry Goh says fully serviced large hectarage home sites having scheme water in such close proximity to metro areas are a rarity, with the homesites being 25 times larger than the average suburban home site, for a better price.

The enchanting estate aims to deliver an improved quality of life with plenty of fresh air and wide-open country spaces for the whole family to enjoy, while also offering enough space for large pets to roam and play.

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, WITH THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Country Heights Estate is easily accessible via the completed NorthLink Tonkin Highway extension. With this new development, travel times to myriad metro areas with high-density work places and shopping centres have been significantly slashed.

Joondalup, Wangara, Malaga, Morley, Balcatta, Ellenbrook and Midlands are between 30 minutes to 45 minutes from the estate, and the airport and Perth CBD are an hour or less away.

“With its excellent accessibility, Country Heights Estate offers a unique opportunity to live the ultimate lifestyle with the best of both worlds – healthy living in a safe country community on large hectarage home sites, and the ability to work in metro areas with an easy commute,” says Jerry.

As a result of the lockdown experienced during the pandemic, there is a growing popularity with city-dwellers seeking a lifestyle change to regional areas which are within easy commutable distance to the city. It gives them more room and space to spend quality time at home, with more flexible work-fromhome lifestyles.

“The availability of high-speed internet here is perfect for those who desire a rural work-from-home lifestyle, making Country Heights Estate an ideal place to live and work partly or fully from home,” Jerry says.

The nearby Gingin town has every a tree-changer could possibly want – including great schools, a medical centre, post office, bank, hotel, cafes, shops, and numerous recreational and sporting facilities.

Ideal for the building of a family home, retirement, an investment, or to claim your own weekender on the edge of the Darling Scarp, the estate is also within easy reach of coastal communities such as Lancelin, Seabird and Guilderton on the pristine Moore River.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Stage 1 included 45 homesites that were well received, as it is now sold out. The next 61 homesites will be released in Stage 2 comprising Stage 2A, 2B and 2C with titles expected early in 2023. Selling prices start from $215,000 to $305,000 for premium elevated homesites with stunning panoramic valley views.

Take a scenic drive to Country Heights Estate to see it for yourself.

For more information, please visit countryheightsestate.com.au (or use the QR code below). Alternatively, contact our agents Tom Cabassi: 0429 095 864 or Rob French: 0401 970 997.

THIS PAGE AND RIGHT: KIM IN VEJRØ, DENMARK; KIM FOUNDED SAXO IN 1992 AND NOW HAS 16 GLOBAL OFFICES, INCLUDING ONE IN SYDNEY.

A DANISH LARRIKIN ON LIVING A MEANINGFUL LIFE

words: Melody Morgan Sorensen

As soon as you meet Kim Fournais, it is easy to understand why some Australians have referred to him as “The Danish Larrikin.” With an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a steadfast refusal to take no for an answer, the Danish entrepreneur has solidified his legacy as a bold pioneer in the international fin-tech industry as CEO and founder of the global investment firm, Saxo.

Kim’s wanderlust began with childhood trips to Spain, and later he was inspired to fully embrace his curiosity of the world by learning to fly aerorplanes. “I like flying so much that I became a fully licensed commercial pilot,” he says, “I think the freedom it gives, the ability to change the scene, see new cultures, meet new people and observe new behaviours, all of this influences me. Curiosity, to me, is the basis for mankind to evolve.”

Kim grew up in Denmark, a country famous for taking care of its own, which, according to him has been a good primer for his insatiable appetite for risk. “I believe in a kind of yin and yang,” he says, “The fact that you need to have one leg planted in stability, and you need another one in adventure, exploration, and making new things happen.” As Kim continues talking, his bright blue eyes seem to glow with excitement. “I think sometimes taking a jump can be scary, but I think not jumping can create a dull life. Of course, you need to be thoughtful and careful, but in the end, you may regret not doing all the stuff that you really wanted to do.”

When he was just 26, Kim began wondering if there could be a more efficient and accessible way for people to invest in the financial markets. “I always think about how to improve things, how to make things better, whether it’s something big or small, it’s a drive that’s been in me since I was a child,” he says.

In 1992, he founded Saxo, one of the first brokerages to develop online trading platforms to provide

everyday investors with the same tools and market access as professionals. In 2001, Saxo acquired a banking license, and in 2006, Saxo began expanding beyond its Copenhagen headquarters, starting in London and Singapore. Kim says, “I’ve never wanted to live my life in the comfort zone. We had to take the business global.”

After 30 years in business, Saxo now has more than 2,500 employees in 16 global offices, including Sydney. Despite the distance, Kim makes it a priority to travel to meet with his colleagues and clients around the world. “You can do so much more if you create great relationships. Together we can help each other, and then it becomes much more fun. People and culture are everything.”

Recently, Kim visited the Sydney office and found himself comparing Australia to Denmark. “They are two countries pretty much on opposite

sides of the globe, but with a lot of similarities in terms of human behaviour. I think Australians are easygoing and easy to talk to, and I think the Danes are the same. Both cultures have an appreciation for nature, and sophisticated design and high-quality products.” Then, he adds with a smile – “I also think that both Australians and Danes like the good life, for sure.”

So, what is Saxo doing for Australian investors? “My vision is to give all Australians direct access to the world’s markets, so that anyone – no matter their background – can discover opportunities and reach financial goals that they maybe once considered impossible,” says Kim.

Opening the Sydney office has also given him a chance to explore Australia more. “I think Australia is such a beautiful, awesome country. I love the nature and climate. I love that the Pacific Ocean is just on the other side of the bay, and I especially love the seafood you can get at Sydney Harbour.”

And how does Kim feel about being called the Danish Larrikin? “I’m happy and proud to be thought of like that. When people say, ‘You can’t do something,’ I always think, ‘Well why can’t you?’ In the end, time is the only resource we’re given, and since we don’t how much of it we have –and it’s probably not enough – we shouldn’t waste it. I believe if you’re thinking of going down a new path, making a change, taking a jump – I say do it. Go, and live an authentic, curious life. In the end, it’s all about living a meaningful life and having meaningful relationships.”

“I think sometimes taking a jump can be scary, but I think not jumping can create a dull life. Of course, you need to be thoughtful and careful, but in the end, you may regret not doing all the stuff that you really wanted to do.”

MEET HIDDUP

The Australian company offering members relief amidst the rising cost of living.

generate returns as there are always transactions that need verification. In its simplest form, we’re a middleman that helps process blockchain transactions.”

With record increases in interest rates and the cost-of-living surging in almost every sector, consumer confidence has plummeted heading in early 2023. With the pessimistic outlook for market performance growing across many industries, many Australians are reassessing their strategies to generate and grow wealth.

“We’ve really seen a major shift in the mindset of many Australians over the past year or so," says Adam. "They’re worried about losing purchasing power, their property values have significantly decreased and they’re really concerned about their retirement. Fortunately, we have strategies and solutions that can cater to almost anyone.”

Australians have recently endured some of the toughest financial conditions we’ve ever seen.

With rampant inflation eroding the purchasing power of households, teamed with skyrocketing interest rates, more and more families are feeling the pinch.

With 2022 being one of the most turbulent years for investors since the Global Financial Crisis, now more than ever, many Australians feel they’re falling behind financially.

However, amidst this global economic uncertainty, one Gold Coast-based company is providing

an alternative solution to growing wealth, thanks to its unique market offering.

The company attributes its innovation to blockchain mining – the underlying method used to generate fixed-rate returns, which range from 6 to 16 per cent per annum.

“Most people haven’t heard about blockchain mining, but in layman’s terms, we derive revenue based on people trading assets around the world," says Founder Adam Lane.

“Whether the market is going up, down, or sideways, it doesn’t neccessarily impact our ability to

Hiddup’s subscriptions operate on varying life cycles of two, three, five, seven, and ten years, with returns varying based on subscription term and initial amount. Returns are generated passively and are paid out on a daily basis. With no management or subscription feeds, it’s easy to see why this model is grabbing the attention of many Australians.

The company underpins consumer confidence by returning members' initial subscription amount in full, at the end of their term. It’s clear that this alternative wealth creation solution is captivating the attention of many Australians as they look to create a new passive income stream.

Whether you’re looking for a way to diversify income, save for retirement, or hedge against rising economic uncertainty, Hiddup is pioneering an innovative way for Australians to reach their goals. For more information, please visit hiddup.com

“Whether the market is going up, down or sideways, it doesn’t really impact our ability to generate returns as there are always transactions that need verification.”

Supporting regional Queensland’s construction and resource sectors

engineers, and surveyors to accurately make designs a reality in the built environment. The mining business supports leading mine operators with fleet management systems, high precision machine guidance, Rajant Kinetic Mesh networks, condition monitoring platforms, survey drones and more. Complementing the company’s range of products are services designed and developed by Position Partners to help customers manage projects and positioning requirements.

For instance, Tokara is a remote access, support gateway and file management platform that gives surveyors, project managers and business owners the ability to manage all machines and survey assets on site working to a design.

AllDayRTK is the leading GNSS network solution, giving users access to accurate, repeatable, survey-grade positioning data through a range of flexible subscription options.

Position Partners has expanded its operations in Queensland with offices in Townsville and Rockhampton, to offer sales, hire and services for civil, building construction, mining and surveying customers.

With more than 350 people throughout branches in every state and territory of Australia, as well as operations in New Zealand, Indonesia and Singapore, the company supplies and supports a range of GPS, machine guidance, mapping and monitoring instruments sourced from leading suppliers around the world.

“Our customers are based and/or win work throughout the state of Queensland, so we are committed to being there to support them whenever and wherever they need us to be,” said Harry Katsanevas, Queensland Region Manager.

“There’s a strong pipeline of work in central and northern areas of the state, and now, with bases in Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton, we’re ready to help customers with leading technology backed by great service.”

Position Partners specialises in the distribution and support of positioning and machine control technology used by civil contractors,

“Whether you’re after a quick clean and calibration for your laser, or would like to discuss safety, machine control or GNSS requirements on an upcoming project, drop in to see us for a coffee and a chat,” Harry said.

Teri Humphreys, Director of Townsville Earthmoving, along with Peter Murphy, Survey Discipline Manager and Director at Brazier Motti, helped to officially open the branch.

“It’s great to have the support of a local branch for our machine control equipment and service needs,” Teri said.

Peter Murphy agreed, saying, “Although we’ve always been supported by the Brisbane office and wider Position Partners group, having a full-time team dedicated to local customers is very positive.”

For more information about Position Partners and its range of solutions, visit positionpartners.com.au.

POSITION PARTNERS OPENS ITS NEW TOWNSVILLE BRANCH WITH CUSTOMERS PETER MURPHY OF BRAZIER MOTTI AND TERI HUMPHREYS OF TOWNSVILLE EARTHMOVING CUTTING THE RIBBON.

L-R: DAVID IRONS (POSITION PARTNERS TERRITORY MANAGER) WITH RYAN DOYLE (CONSTRUCTION SALES MANAGER QLD) AT THE ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH.

ROCK CHICKS DISCOVER RARE DINOSAUR IN THE OUTBACK

In western Queensland, near the remote town of McKinlay, a group of amateur female palaeontologists (known as the “Rock Chicks”) unearthed a rare 100 million-year-old fossil of an ancient plesiosaur.

Words: Lauren Lefever

The plesiosaur fossil (known as an elasmosaur) was complete with the head and body of a marine-like animal, featuring flippers resembling those of a turtle, and a long neck like that of a giraffe. It measured around six metres in length and was not fully grown at the time of its death.

THE DISCOVERY

Leading up to the discovery, Cassandra Prince and her Rock

to Dr Espen Knutsen, the senior curator of palaeontology at the Queensland Museum.

The museum already houses the skull of an elasmosaur in its collection, as well as various fossils of bodies. This was the first time in Australian history that the head and body of an elasmosaur skull had been found in one piece. This is because when an elasmosaur died, its decomposing body would fill with

body parts rarely sank to the same place as the skull.

This particular elasmosaur had its skull, neck and half of its body all preserved in the same location, with the back half of its body missing. Knutsen suggested that the dinosaur may have been ‘bitten in half’ by the apex predator of its day, the kronosaur.

THE FUTURE

Palaeontologists are hoping that their initial theories will help them unravel the full story of this unique find in the coming years. Palaeontologists believe that the fossil could also help them discover several distinct species of prehistoric marine giants and fill knowledge gaps in their collection of incomplete plesiosaur specimens.

"Putting all these pieces together tells a really fantastic story of how the Earth has evolved. That gives us a lot of ability to understand the biodynamics of these types of animals – how they move, what sort of environments they need to be in and how a skeleton is put together," said Dr Knutsen about the discovery. The fossil will continue to be analysed at Townsville’s Museum of Tropical Queensland.

OPPOSITE, THEN CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ROCK CHICK CASSANDRA PRICE; RENDERING OF ELASMOSAUR; DR KNUTSEN AND TEAM; THE ELASMOSAUR SKULL; DIG SITE. IMAGES: QUEENSLAND MUSEUM.

SAVING PRECIOUS FOOD FROM LANDFILL

Farmers Pick was launched in 2020 after two mates looked into the appalling farm food waste in Australia. They are now on a mission to rescue fresh food from landfill and

One day, while Josh Ball and Josh Brooks-Duncan were at their local market, they questioned why some of the vegetables were marked as ‘bendy’ and were not perfect looking.

This simple yet life-changing experience set them on a mission to better understand the farm food industry, and they were deeply disturbed by the under-reported issue of national food wastage that not only affects the livelihoods of farmers across the country, but Australian consumers as well.

They soon discovered that the unrealistic cosmetic standards upheld by the major supermarkets means a whopping 30 per cent of ‘perfectly imperfect’ produce never leaves the farm. It's simply left to rot.

They also quickly learnt that food waste costs Australians $36.6 billion a year, and households up to $2,500 every year. Over 30 per cent (2.4 billion kilograms) of food never leaves the farm, meaning a third of food produced on farm does not make it to the consumer.

And so, Farmer’s Pick was launched a few months later with the goal of rescuing wasted produce and supplying it directly to Australians at a cheaper rate than supermarkets.

“The driving force behind Farmers Pick is the desire to achieve a sustainable positive impact on the food industry, which is the largest contributor to emissions in Australia and across the world,” says Josh Ball.

Farmers Pick takes the fruit and

vegetables that are considered too ugly for sale in the major supermarkets and sells it directly to Australians via its subscription delivery service for up to 30 per cent less than supermarket prices.

So far, over 1,000,000 kilograms of food across more than 50 farms has been saved thanks to the team at Farmers Pick, meaning Australian families are being fed fresh produce that would otherwise go straight into landfill. Furthermore, through Farmers Pick’s partnership with OzHarvest, over 75,000 meals have been donated to Australians in need.

“Australian farmers’ lives are only made more difficult during these challenging times,” says Josh BrooksDuncan. “They are working in high-pressure environments to ensure that produce can still look perfect while stressing about the health of their crops and properties for future seasons as extreme weather wreaks havoc on soils.

“More than ever, Australians –across the supply and consumer chain – need to support the government’s goal to halve food waste by 2030, which is also aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal.”

Josh and Josh believe that there is no better time to support, encourage and drive food waste programs and policies. Everyone can do their bit by eating well and saving money.

LEFT TO RIGHT: FOUNDERS OF FARMERS PICK, JOSH BROOKS-DUNCAN AND JOSH BALL.

WHY HASN'T ORGANIC WINE TAKEN OFF IN AUSTRALIA?

Organic wine is healthier for the planet and for those who drink it, so why the lack of interest from Australians?

Words: nigel bowan

Wine-loving Australians are sceptical about organic wine, with most being prepared to pay only a small or no premium to drink it, analysis of an international study reveals.

But there are ways and means to encourage Australians to drink more organic wine, says a Macquarie University researcher.

Dr Rezwanul Rana is a teetotal health economist. But when a colleague asked him to do some statistical analysis on data collected in 2019-2020 from around 2500 wine drinkers in Australia, Chile, France, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United States, he was intrigued.

PORTRAIT OF AN ORGANIC WINE DRINKER

Like organic food, organic wine is relatively expensive to produce. So, the survey’s primary focus was on how much of a premium consumers would pay for it.

“A little under half of those surveyed said they would only pay AUD$1.40-$7 more for a bottle of wine that was organic,” Dr Rana says. “If they are willing to buy it at all. Most consumers in all countries surveyed would only pay slightly more for organic wine.”

It wasn’t older wine drinkers –presumably more affluent and health conscious than younger ones – who were willing to pay extra for wine grown without chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides and free from sulfur dioxide-based preservatives.

“In 'new world' countries, such as Australia, it’s younger people, especially ones who live in urban areas, who are the most keen on organic wine, and they are most likely to drink it in social situations,” Dr Rana says.

“That’s presumably because they are more adventurous, more concerned about the environment, and more likely to have eaten organic food. That noted, those who eat organic food didn’t show the predisposition to drinking organic wine that might be expected.

"Consumers view organic food and organic wine quite differently.”

THIS PAGE: IN AUSTRALIA, IT'S YOUNGER, URBAN PEOPLE WHO ARE KEENEST ON ORGANIC WINE. BUT WILL IT CATCH ON?

A MATTER OF TASTE

The survey data found Europeans and young urbanites in the new world were the biggest organic wine drinkers. Dr Rana believes there are classificatory and historical reasons for this.

“In contrast to EU countries, new world countries are strict about organic classifications,” he says. “Whether any sulfur dioxide can be used in organic wine is a subject of ongoing and passionate debate.

“But in countries such as the US and Australia, either no or very little sulphur dioxide is used, while in Europe they are a little more relaxed about preservatives. So, in Europe, organic wines never tasted that much different to the non-organic wines people were used to.”

On top of tasting different, organic wine in new world countries frequently tasted unpleasant in the past.

“In the 1970s and 1980s, organic winemakers were making it up as they went along and the results were often suboptimal,” says Dr Rana.

“The quality of organic wines has improved dramatically, but one reason many older wine drinkers are wary of them could be bad past experiences.”

THIS PAGE: BETTER FOR YOU AND BETTER FOR THE PLANET – WHY NOT TRY AN ORGANIC WINE?

CAN SCEPTICAL AUSTRALIANS BE WON OVER?

Dr Rana has four suggestions for those who would like to see Australians drink more organic wine.

First, get the positioning right. “Think about how organic food is positioned in supermarkets,” Dr Rana says. “Organic fruits and vegetables are prominently displayed in the fruit and vegetable section, making it easy for shoppers to notice then buy them. If you go into a bottle shop, the organic wines will often be ‘ghettoized’ in an obscure corner of the shop.”

Second, get the labelling right.

“Europeans, who grow up in cultures that have been producing wine for centuries, are confident about buying wine,” Dr Rana says.

“Australians pay much more attention to labels. They want to be reassured by

“You can mock hipsters as much as you like, but they are often tastemakers for the broader population.”

the information displayed on the label that they are buying the ‘right’ wine. Organic winemakers have shot themselves in the foot with their failure to devise and universally embrace a logo that makes it clear their wine is chemical-free.”

Third, get the brand associations right.

“Some of the world’s most prestigious winemakers now make organic wines and these wines have won many awards,” Dr Rana says.

“Yet many Australians believe organic wine is still the product of a hippy cottage industry. It needs to be made clear to them that the organic wine of 2022 is far superior to that of 1972.”

Fourth, go after the hipsters first.

“The most bang for marketing buck will come from targeting young, inner-city professionals,” Dr Rana says.

“These are the consumers who want to signal that they are discerning and environmentally conscious by ordering a glass of organic wine at a restaurant. Or taking a bottle of organic wine to a friend’s barbeque. You can mock hipsters as much as you like, but they are often tastemakers for the broader population.”

THE SWEDISH EXAMPLE

In Sweden, the government controls the sale of alcohol. When it decided it wanted to promote the consumption of organic wine, it pursued the strategies suggested by Dr Rana.

“Long story short, the Swedish government mandated that organic wine be prominently displayed in bottle shops and invested in educating Swedes about the environmental and health benefits of organic wine.

“It also told Swedes they should buy it because it had a ‘pure taste’ and because it was a way of supporting local winemakers,” says Dr Rana.

“That resulted in organic wine increasing its market share from 6 per cent to 20 per cent in a relatively short period.”

Dr Rezwanul Rana is a health economist at Macquarie University's Centre for the Health Economy. This story was first published by The Lighthouse by Macquarie University, Sydney.

NOT JUST A SONG AND DANCE

The ability of lyrebirds to mimic sounds is world-famous. However, a recent study has shown that they could be losing their voice if more isn’t done to protect their habitat.

Words: Emily Riches

Lyrebirds are one of the animal kingdom’s greatest mimics: famous for their phenomenal ability to imitate sounds made by other birds. Males are also well-known for their impressive mating dance and visual display.

The Albert’s lyrebird is the lesser known of Australia’s two lyrebirds (the most well-known being the Superb lyrebird). It is a shy, solitary bird, only found in a small region of subtropical rainforest in the mountainous areas of Bundjalung Country, on the border between New South Wales and Queensland.

A recent study by Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment has found that the Albert’s lyrebird is in danger of losing its song. We spoke to the leading researcher, PhD student Fiona Backhouse, about why this might be the case.

CALL OF THE WILD

Fiona was initially drawn to studying lyrebirds due to an early interest in music. “When I found out that you could study birdsong, almost like you can study music, that was just fascinating to me,” she says.

To gather the data for the study, Fiona and a small team recorded the Albert’s lyrebird over two winter breeding seasons in different locations, including Mount Tamborine, Lamington National Park, the Border Ranges National Park, Mount Jerusalem National Park, and Main Range National Park.

Using handheld recording devices, she aimed to record as many lyrebird songs as possible – even if it meant waiting for long periods of time out in the cold. She also used an automated sound recording device, which she could leave behind to record for a certain amount of time each day.

Lyrebirds can mimic 11 different species, with up to 37 different sounds. One of the questions Fiona is frequently asked is how she knows the difference between a lyrebird call or the original species.

“It's something that you have to get your ear in for,” she says. “One of the tricks is that they mimic in a string of mimicry that's quite predictable. If you're hearing a kookaburra, a satin bowerbird, a rosella and then a robin all from the same spot, you can be pretty sure it's a lyrebird. But they also have their own songs that they sing fairly regularly, so you can keep an ear out for that.”

A SOCIAL NETWORK

From these recordings, Fiona was able to interpret that there was less diversity in the lyrebirds’ songs.

“What's happening is that individuals in areas that have less available habitat are mimicking fewer sounds from different species and fewer species overall,” explains Fiona. “The species they mimic are still found across all of the areas that we studied,

OPPOSITE AND RIGHT: AN ALBERT'S LYREBIRD; IMAGE: IMOGEN WARREN; ALBERT'S LYREBIRD DANCING. IMAGE: ALEX MAISEY.

“If there are fewer lyrebirds around for them to learn from, they're probably not going to be able to sing in quite as big a diversity as in areas where there are lots of lyrebirds.”

so what we think is happening instead is that there are actually fewer and more isolated lyrebirds in these areas.”

This is because lyrebirds predominantly learn their songs from each other, rather than from the birds they hear around them – this is called social transmission. It forms part of the birds’ culture, and as the songs are passed between birds over generations, they change and adapt over time and geographic location.

“If there are fewer lyrebirds around for them to learn from, they're probably not going to be able to sing with quite as much diversity as in areas where there are lots of lyrebirds,” Fiona says.

The destruction of habitat leading to small, unconnected areas is particularly detrimental to these large, solitary birds. As lyrebirds are poor flyers and unable to travel large distances, they need substantial connected areas of habitat for movement and cultural exchange between populations.

Continued habitat loss, particularly for those populations already impacted, could therefore mean further loss of cultural diversity. And, as the vocal displays and mimicry of male lyrebirds are largely targeted towards females, the males in these areas may no longer be as attractive

as a mate. This could lead to populations getting even smaller, and the loss of even more songs. While researchers aren’t sure whether this is happening to such an extent yet, Fiona says that it’s definitely a possibility and something that we should be concerned about.

POPULATION PERIL

The Albert’s lyrebird is already very vulnerable to population loss. There’s estimated to be fewer than 10,000 individuals in the wild, and females only lay one egg each year. The rates of nest predation can be quite high. “If something like a feral cat or fox comes and takes the egg, that’s it until next year,” says Fiona.

Habitat availability can be impacted by development, climate change and bushfires. In the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, an estimated 3 billion animals were killed, injured or displaced, and Fiona suspects the fires also had a negative impact on Albert’s lyrebird populations.

“At state level, they are listed as either vulnerable in New South Wales or near threatened in Queensland. So there's a bit of discrepancy there about how threatened they are.”

While researchers are not sure whether the population is decreasing, Fiona says that the most important thing is to protect the current

population. “The main issue is just there’s not very many of them, so we really need to make sure that we can protect what’s there.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

What are some of the steps that we can take towards protecting the Albert's lyrebird?

“The biggest thing at the moment is to maintain their habitat,” says Fiona. “We need to make sure that we don't take away any existing habitat, protect what's there and stop invasive weeds. There are some programs around Murwillumbah in the Tweed basin to remove things like lantana, which is a really noxious weed in the area, and helping to revegetate some of the rainforests that were in those areas. So that's fantastic. If we can continue those efforts, I think that'll be really helpful for lyrebird populations.”

While this particular study is now complete, Fiona is not done with lyrebirds just yet. Her next project involves a study of both the Albert’s and Superb lyrebirds, exploring their dance and amazing visual displays, as well as further research into mimicry.

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s not just male lyrebirds that sing. Females also have their own mimicry and songs. Females sing to defend their territory against other females, and to protect their nests from predators.

LEFT TO RIGHT: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION OF THE ALBERT'S LYREBIRD WITH RECORDING LOCATIONS; LANDSCAPE TYPICAL OF THE ALBERT'S LYREBIRD HABITAT. IMAGES: FIONA BACKHOUSE.

Learn a Language Online

AusBiz Media and Gymglish provide short, personalised and fun online language lessons in French, Spanish, German, English and Italian.

A DAILY LESSON

Delivered straight to your inbox or app

MICROLEARNING

Only 10 minutes per day (easy to fit in any busy schedule)

A STORY

Funny stories with up-to-date topics and authentic cultural references

ADAPTIVE LEARNING

Personalised content that takes into account the impact of time and forgetfulness

To redeem your free month: Scan the QR-code or visit https://ausbizmedia.com/language-lessons/

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: KALBAR SUNFLOWERS AND THEIR FAMOUS SUNFLOWER MAZE. IMAGE: KALBAR SUNFLOWERS.

THE SUNFLOWER SOLUTION

Three sunflower farmers are welcoming snaphappy tourists to boost their businesses.

words: Ian Lloyd Neubauer

DID YOU KNOW?

Last year in September, media reports surfaced about canola farmers as far flung as Western Australia’s Wheat Belt to Central New South Wales complaining about tourists trespassing on their properties to take photographs of the bright yellow flowers for social media.

At the start of this year, sunflowers became the next craze. These golden yellow flowers are native to the Americas, and can grow up to three metres high. As they began to bloom, farmers braced themselves for the same influx of influencers.

But some innovative farmers have flipped the problem on its head: instead of shooing away photohunters, they are welcoming them and have remodelled their farms into tourism enterprises. Three sunflower farmers tell us the tricks of this new trade.

THE DRONE COMMANDER

“There are so many people who want to come and see sunflowers, but the last thing any farmer wants is to have people near their crops because of damage and the biosecurity risk,” says Roger Woods of Warraba Sunflowers in Cambooya, just south of Toowoomba in Queensland. “So we put two and two together and a couple of years ago planted a crop specifically to let people come and

interact with them. It’s $10 for adults, $5 for teenagers and kids under five are free.

“Initially, I planted 24 hectares and thought 20 or 30 people might come and then I would harvest the crop for $50,000,” Roger says. “But so many people turned up in the first year that harvesting the crop became a secondary consideration, and from there I realised that I only had to plant half as much because tourists don’t want to walk very far. Now we’re down to 10 acres.

“The key to sunflower tourism,” Roger says, “is to plant them so visitors get the best photo opportunities. They want to see some really big sunflowers but you also need smaller sunflowers; think about taking photos with kids. So I deliberately alter the spacing in different parts of the field so every visitor can find the photo opportunity they want. But if I was simply planting to harvest the crop, I would plant them very differently and I would protect them from birds with gas guns.

He adds, “I’m not even using pesticides here anymore. I use drones to populate the crop with native wasps to protect them from caterpillars and make that part of the tourism experience, too.”

Visit facebook.com/ warrabasunflowers

• The sunflower season runs from summer through to autumn. The best time of year to visit sunflower fields is January to March.

• Sunflowers rotate their heads during the day in the direction of the sun. At night, they face east in anticipation of the sunrise.

THE EVENT PLANNER

“Traditionally we were lucerne farmers – we used to grow hay,” says Jenny Jenner of Kalbar Sunflowers in Kalbar, an hour’s drive inland from Brisbane. “But at the start of 2020, our local dam ran dry because of the drought, so we started looking at what crops we could still grow with very little water. That’s when we came up with the idea of growing sunflowers for tourism.

“So we planted about 20 acres and invited people to the farm to have a sunflower experience. But instead of having people come every day, we started a sunflower festival one day of the year. We have food, market stalls, lots of people selling sunflower-

themed things, live music, the local radio station comes along and does a live broadcast and we built a maze made of sunflowers that the kids love. Plus we have tonnes of photo opportunities, hay bales and that sort of thing. We now charge $22 a ticket and we sell out quite quickly; every year we get about 15,000 people.

“Sunflowers are dead easy to grow.” says Jenny, “However, the biggest challenge is predicting when they’re going to bloom. Last year we had floods in February so it stunted their growth and we had to postpone the festival and it was a nightmare. So this year we learned our lesson and won’t put the tickets on sale until a few weeks before.

“After the festival, we just mulch them and put them back in the ground as sunflowers have a lot of potassium and are very good for the soil. It’s a good little venture but we still work as farmers,” she says. “Now the rains have returned, we can grow lucerne again.”

Visit kalbarsunflowers.com.au

THE ACCIDENTAL FARMER

“My sunflower journey was a bit of an accident,” says Laiken Britt, owner of Pick Your Own Sunflowers in Dunnstown, 10 minute's drive from Ballarat in Victoria. “My husband was a dairy farmer and then a cattle farmer and we have four boys. One day, I said I want to do something ‘girly’ like grow flowers. So I literally just threw a bag of sunflower seeds on the ground and they started growing everywhere.

“At first we tried being florists but that never eventuated because if you don’t have the right gear to transport them, the petals break,” she says. “Then I thought, why don’t I just open the farm up and let people pick their own?

“We advertised it on Facebook and Instagram in February 2020, and because it was the first time it had been done around here, a lot of people came – up to 1,000 every weekend. A lot of people just jumped the fence so in the second year we planted them surrounded by paddocks – you can’t see them anymore from the road.

“Why do people love sunflowers so much? You know it’s funny; a lot of men who visit us who get dragged here by their wives. Afterwards, I ask them if it was really that bad, and they say no. And kids living in the city just love them – they love running around and hiding in six-foot-tall sunflower fields. They just make people smile.”

Visit pickyourownsunflowers.com

THIS PAGE: PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS DUNNSTOWN; LAIKEN BRITT AND FAMILY FROM PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS. IMAGES: PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS DUNNSTOWN.

THREE AWESOME CHARITIES TACKLING HOMELESSNESS

In Australia, homelessness is increasing, with around 116,000 people considered homeless across the country. Nearly half of the homeless population is under the age of 25. These three charities are providing support, solutions and solidarity.

Words: Matilda Meikle

Homelessness includes many things, from living in severely crowded dwellings, supported accommodation or “sleeping rough” on the street. With such high rates, many charities are hoping to support Australians in need. Now is the perfect time to come together as a community and donate to one of these incredible charities.

LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH

Based in Victoria, Lighthouse provides support to young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. So far, they’ve helped more than 1,000 young people find their feet, and secure a bright future. Lighthouse support includes building therapeutic homes where young people can receive 24/7 support and

care, as well as offering education programs for carers and families, so they can learn how to best support vulnerable youth.

A donation of $15 can help provide fresh groceries and essential supplies for a Lighthouse home; $50 can provide a welcome backpack (toiletries, socks, underwear and a teddy bear) for a new young person moving into their care; while $100 can provide counselling and group therapy to help young people process the trauma of homelessness.

“We're seeing the impact of Covid-19 on homelessness numbers and we fear more young people will need help,” says Lighthouse CEO Eamonn McCarthy.

With the rising number of homeless youth, Lighthouse has increased its efforts, and is making a major difference in the lives of so many.

STREETSMART

Since 2003, Streetsmart has provided over 290,000 meals and supported over 1,000 organisations seeking to end homelessness in Australia. It was formed on the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and the knowledge that while there are many amazing charities trying to end homelessness, many don’t have the resources to provide for the growing numbers of homeless people around the country. To combat this, Streetsmart raises money to fund these smaller organisations, ensuring they can continue their valuable work. They have culminated a network of incredible organisations, supporting them so relief can reach all corners of the country.

Streetsmart also provides other services, such as delivering readymade meals to those in need. For the past three years, they’ve been delivering Sleepsafe kits, which include a towel, sheet and pillowcase to those experiencing homelessnes. This provides them with comforts that many of us take for granted.

SHARE THE DIGNITY

Share the Dignity is a women’s charity supporting women experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence by distributing period products, that are often overlooked in relief support, and can be difficult for some to obtain. Through collection drives and campaigns, Share the Dignity has been able to deliver over 3.4 million pads and tampons, ensuring everyone has access to sanitary essentials. They know how vital period care can be, and work tirelessly to distribute these items to women across the country.

They also run the 'It’s in the Bag' campaign every Christmas. Each year, Australians are asked to compile bags of essential items and treats to donate to those in need.

Thanks to these bags, women doing it tough over Christmas are equipped with sanitary and luxury items to brighten their days. If you’re not sure what to include, there’s no need to worry. Share the Dignity will also provide a shopping list so you can be sure you’re providing exactly what these women need. By donating, you can help anyone from a mother to a teen receive essential care.

LEFT TO RIGHT: SHARE THE DIGNITY HAS BEEN ABLE TO DELIVER 3.4 MILLION PERIOD PRODUCTS TO THOSE IN NEED; THEIR 'IT'S IN THE BAG' CAMPAIGN DONATES BAGS OF SANITARY AND LUXURY GOODS OVER CHRISTMAS.

BEARING FRUIT

Grove Juice, a family-owned fresh juice processor, has launched new packaging that puts Indigenous artists in the spotlight.

words: Emily Riches

Bold, colourful and deeply connected to Country. These words describe the artwork of four globally renowned Central Western Desert artists whose work will grace the new packaging of Grove Juice’s two-litre range.

Grove Juice is 100 per cent Australian owned, backed by a generation of farmers who have been crafting naturally healthy, delicious fruit juice since the 1960s. They are one of the few remaining Australian family-owned fresh juice farmers and processors, with a team of over 150 people working across multiple farms and factories located in NSW and Qld.

For the collection, Grove Juice worked with the Warlukurlangu Art Centre to select the featured artists, including Agnes Nampijinpa Brown, Liddy Napanangka Walker, Vanetta Nampijinpa Hudson and Margaret Nangala Gallagher.

Warlukurlangu Artists is one of the longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia. It’s based in the community of Yuendumu in Central Australia, 290km northwest of Alice Springs. A percentage of sales from every bottle will benefit both the artists and the Warlukurlangu Art Centre.

Grove Juice owner Dick Estens said the collaboration has been a “passion project,” driven by a desire to give back while also celebrating the incredible artistic talents of First Nations people.

GIVING BACK

Grove Juice is no stranger to community-focused projects. In the 1990s, Dick established the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) – a not-for-profit that helps 1,500 Indigenous Australians find employment every year. Dick worked closely with key Aboriginal leaders to deliver the program, which is still going strong 20 years later.

Not only that, in 2011, the family opened a not-for-profit art gallery and cafe called Yaama Ganu in Moree, NSW. Owned and operated by the AES, Yaama Ganu proudly supports

“These beautiful works of art will not only seek to raise money for Indigenous communities, but help to build self-esteem via expanded employment opportunities.”

OPPOSITE AND THIS PAGE: A 2L BOTTLE IN THE ARTWORK SERIES; DICK ESTENS IN THE YAAMA GANU GALLERY. IMAGES: SUPPLIED.

and features consigned works from artists of the local Kamilaroi nation and Aboriginal-managed art centres from communities around Australia.

Dick’s work at AES saw him awarded the Human Rights Medal by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 2004, while in 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. Some of the funds raised from sales of the Aboriginal Art Series will also go towards the essential service of the AES.

“These beautiful works of art will not only seek to raise money for Indigenous communities, but help to build self-esteem via expanded employment opportunities, and also enable Grove customers to learn about the work AES does whilst they eat their breakfast,” says Dick.

The values that Grove Juice operates by – being genuine, respectful, open, visionary and exact –clearly infuse everything the Estens do.

THE ARTISTS

The artists featured are from Yuendumu, a large Aboriginal community; the population comprises families from similar language groups with strong cohesive traditional culture. Each of the artist’s striking artworks shares powerful stories of Country.

At just 22 years old, Vanetta Nampijinpa

Hudson’s paintings feature on four of the labels: Orange with Pulp, Orange Mango Pineapple

Passionfruit and Apple, the Apple, Mandarin, Passionfruit and the Apple Ginger. She began painting with

Warlukurlangu Artists

Aboriginal Corporation in 2017. She paints the Walukurlangu Jukurrpa (Fire Dreaming) stories which were passed down to her by her father, and relate directly to her land and the plants and animals that inhabit it. She uses bold patterns and colours to develop a modern interpretation of her traditional culture.

Liddy Napanangka Walker (now deceased) was a pivotal figure at the Warlukurlangu Art Centre, joining shortly after its inception in 1985. She was born in 1925 at Mt Doreen, and spent her younger years living with her family in bush camps. Her artwork features on the Cloudy Apply label, and depicts the Purlapurla Jukurrpa (Black Kite Dreaming), which tells the story of an ancestral hero.

WORTH THE SQUEEZE

Managing Director at Grove Juice, Greg Quinn expects the collaboration to be a successful fundraising platform for the Warlukurlangu Art Centre and the AES.

“Our limited edition two litre juices will be available in over 840 supermarkets across Coles, Woolworths and Aldi nationally, and we hope to raise at least $50,000.

“With our established relationships with Indigenous communities, we may look to build on this initiative over time and feature other amazing artists from across Australia, for future brand collaborations,” Greg adds. The colourful new range is available now in Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and wherever good juice is sold, for a limited time only.

FAST FACTS

Grove Juice juices 833,000 oranges, 160,000 apples and 87,000 pears a day. All their fruit is sourced from local, regional farms in Australia.

“Our limited edition two litre juices will be available in over 840 supermarkets across Coles, Woolworths and Aldi nationally, and we hope to raise at least $50,000.”

GLOW UP

Bioluminescent millipedes have been accidentally discovered for the first time in Australia by a local bushwalker.

Around 18 years ago, Scott Kemp was bushwalking along a trail in Illawarra when he came across glow-in-the-dark millipedes.

At the time, he was unaware that they had never been documented in Australia before. But that all changed almost two decades later, when he took his findings to amateur astronomer David Finlay, and together they walked back out to the area to capture these unique creatures on camera.

La Trobe University entomologist, Dennis Black, is one of Australia’s leading millipede experts, and was confident classifying Scott Kemp’s find as an undocumented species of millipede. According to Dennis, Australian millipedes have been known to glow fluorescently under UV light, but never on their own. While millipedes of the genus Motyxia (found in California) have been captured glowing independently, the phenomenon is considered rare across the world. In fact, until Scott's recent discovery, millipedes that were capable of

bioluminescence were thought to not exist in Australia at all.

“There’s very little chance they’re an introduced species,” said Dennis when classifying this millipede in the order Spirobolida. In Australia, there are about 50 known species of Spirobolida, mostly named by overseas scientists. However, the creature is unlikely to have a definite identification for a while. There is no one currently working in Australia with expertise in this area, making it difficult to conduct research even as simple as taxonomy.

“We’ve probably only described 20 percent of the millipede species in Australia and given them scientific names,” he says, revealing the long journey ahead in learning more about this fascinating creature.

For Scott Kemp, however, there's plenty more excitement to go around, including choosing a name for the millipede he discovered all those years ago.

“I joked about it with my wife and kids,” Scott said. “The only one that really sounds cool to me is the Scotty luminus .”

Currently, the exact location of the millipedes is a close-kept secret, with scientists hoping to protect the potentially native species from any disturbances. With research continuing, we can only hope that new information on this special animal will come to light in the next few months.

Words: Matilda Meikle

LEFT: MILLIPEDE OF THE MOTYXIA GENUS. IMAGE: JANINE AND JIM EDEN.

Discover Griffith - one of Australia’s most vibrant cosmopolitan centres. Located in the heart of the Riverina NSW, Griffith exudes a rich blend of cultures and traditions. It is a regional centre bursting with life and energy. The annual festivals are a wonderful time to visit, as they showcase our local food and world-class wines, friendly people and colourful cultures. Make time to Visit Griffith.

GRIFFITH EASTER PARTY: 7-10

A TASTE OF ITALY GRIFFITH: 21-27

GRIFFITH SPRING FEST: 8-22

April 2023

August 2023

October 2023

visitgriffith.com.au | 1800 681 141

EVERY AUGUST

What is your final destination?

Every journey begins with a single step – wherever you are going, Saxo is here for you.